Reviews

Mutant Mantis Lunch Ladies! by Bruce Hale

nicolemhewitt's review against another edition

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5.0

This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction

This book is pretty much perfect for the audience it’s written for—middle grade boys. It’s full of crazy monsters, daring escapades, elaborate fight scenes and gross-out humor. Then of course there’s a bit of the middle grade version of the battle of the sexes and a mystery involving giant bugs. Along with all of this there’s some nice diversity and an exploration of family dynamics. The book seems perfect for reluctant readers because it’s a goofy, quick and easy read. As an adult, I wasn’t always a fan of the gross elements (one scene in particular made me turn up my nose in disgust), but I’m guessing middle grade boys will love it! It’s a bit too advanced for my youngest (who has reading delays), but I’m setting this one aside for him and hoping he’ll be able to handle it with help soon (I might check to see if it’s coming in an audiobook version so that he can listen and read along.) I give this book 3.5/5 stars.

***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***

malissac's review against another edition

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4.0

The first thing that I loved about this book is the beginning, I know that sounds silly but you will totally understand when you read it. I loved that I had no clue what was going on and I thought, OMGosh, what have I missed...is there another book in this series, besides The Curse of the Were-Heyena? We met Carlos and Benny in that first Monstertown Mystery but there was no talk of Mutant Mantis Lunch Ladies so what's going on....then the author said (haha while pointing at me and laughing) and I had to nod my head and admit, hands held up in surrender, "you got me!" It was my first laugh of the book but definitely not the last.

Benny and Carlos are coming of the 'high' of having saved their teacher from becoming a were-hyena, they have discovered that their average little town of Monterossa isn't so average and they are now of course experts when it comes to all the weirdness that seems to keep popping up at their school. First Were-Heyena's and now 2nd graders are disappearing, a new lunch system based of of differing nutritional needs of the boys and girls has been implemented, girls are starting to take on middle school boy traits, and there have been unconfirmed spotting of overgrown bugs in the lunch room...like really overgrown, adult people sized over grown. What's going on in Monterossa and can Carlos and Benny solve the mystery in time?

Muntant Mantis Lunch Ladies is just plain and simple a fun book. If you have readers that are looking for a light mystery full of action, adventure, witty come backs, some (mom speak here) not so polite behavior, silliness, and most importantly a strong friendship then this is a perfect read to have on hand. I really get a kick out of these two boys. They are just a fun couple of kids and while we get caught up in all the madness that surrounds them there are the wonderful underlying stories about sibling relationships, about knowing when you need help and not being afraid to ask for it, about realizing that the majority of adults are supportive and caring, about realizing that there is a fundamental difference in the world in the way boys and girls are treated. No, this book isn't going to 'preach' at your young readers about gender equality but it could be the little eye opener to a generation that hasn't yet discovered these differences. It is subtle but it is there and maybe that will sit in their minds as they age and help them to look toward the future with an open mind.

Having said what I just said don't get nervous that this book is too deep, it is not. The things I just talked about are all small underlying bits that weave the story together, they are points that aren't going to jump out on the pages for young readers but they may plant seeds and none of those seeds would be bad to plant in young readers minds. Caring for your family, having strong friendships, opening your mind to girls and boys being able to do the same things...these are all great concepts for your young readers to have marinating around in their brains even when they don't realize it yet.

In the end this is simply put a fun read. Your readers will be engaged, laughing, sitting on the edge of their seats waiting to discover what mayhem comes next. They do not have to have read The Curse of the Were-Hyena to read Mutant Mantis Lunch Ladies, these books are all standalones with in the seres. This is a fairly easy read so even your younger MG readers will be able to get through the book in just a few days, maybe even less with how engaging the story is. I have to say these would be so much fun to see in a comic book style too...so maybe in the future and because of that if you have Manga or Anime readers in your classroom that have been reluctant to pic up a 'traditional' book this might be the perfect choice for them.

I have an ARC copy so the cover isn't in the Lenticular style like the finished copies will be but I can't wait to see them. I think it's going to be such a draw to some reluctant readers and honestly I can't wait for it because I just want to play with it, haha. If you have readers at home that like any of R.L. Stine's book, or the Terrible Two series by Mac Barnett and Jory John you will have fans of the Mostertown Master Series. If you have boys in your classroom that feel like they struggle to find books with strong boy hero you will want this on your shelves, if you have girls that are tired of reading about princesses or ponies and want something that takes them out of the magical fairytale like realms you will want this series.


~ HAPPY READING ~

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