Mr. Corbett Is in Orbit!

November 1, 2020
The popular My Weird School chapter-book series gets a graphic revamp. At Ella Mentry School, puns and goofiness reign supreme. Narrator A.J.--who dislikes zombies and broccoli as well as school and coffee--truly abhors know-it-all Andrea. Their class takes a field trip to NASA, and while on a space shuttle, a comic mishap finds a peckish A.J. pushing the "launch" button instead of the "lunch" button, propelling the class into the cosmos. Tour guide Mr. Corbett faints, leaving the class's launch in a lurch when they must figure out how to pilot the vessel. However, when an alien spaceship appears and seems to be nearing the shuttle, what will the class do? Gutman's trademark punning panache is instantly recognizable alongside longtime series illustrator Paillot's vibrant full-color cartoon art, giving this just the right feel of being both new and familiar. Most chapters end with the incantatory cliffhanger "that's when the weirdest thing in the history of the world happened," urging readers onward. Gutman briefly touches upon climate change, interspersing a few factoids here and there, and as the plot comes to a close, a zany solution is offered. The issue is addressed with greater seriousness in both an afterword and list of resources. Established fans should be at home here, and the story stands alone well enough to entice new readers, though those new to the rampant jokiness may be overwhelmed by the combined narrative and visual busyness. Most characters present White save for a select few adults (including the titular Mr. Corbett, who is Black) and students. Catnip for those who relish silliness. (Graphic fantasy. 7-10)

COPYRIGHT(2020) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

November 1, 2020
Grades 2-5 Gutman and Paillot make a smooth transition from their long-running My Weird School series of illustrated books to the graphic novel format, not just translating but amplifying the zaniness of AJ's high jinks, along with that of all the weird teachers at the Ella Mentry school. AJ and the gang take a field trip to NASA for their study of climate change and accidentally launch themselves into space (the "launch" button is easily mistaken for the "lunch" button, after all). Tour guide Mr. Corbett is no help, even when the kids run into a spaceship full of aliens, but have no fear: AJ may hate school, but he sure knows how to pilot a rocket into a cotton candy factory. Paillot's goofy but stylized visuals enliven Gutman's breakneck humor more expansively than ever, and barely a panel or clever aside goes by without a chuckle or belly laugh. Lest you worry that there's no heart here along with the humor, the book also includes recommendations for kids who want to pursue climate-based activism. Fans will be absolutely delighted and newcomers no less so.

COPYRIGHT(2020) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

March 1, 2021

Gr 2-4-Gutman's "My Weird School" series transitions into graphic novel format. A.J., Andrea, and their classmates at Ella Mentry School seem to take everything in stride, always ready with a joke or sarcastic observation. A teacher in a superhero outfit or another speaking in secret code is simply par for the course. When a lesson on climate change includes a surprise visit to NASA, everyone's excited, and the students launch themselves into space on a shuttle in no time. Characters consistently face readers, inviting them to absorb the many puns, self-aware punch lines, and obliteration of the fourth wall. Chapters are named after their placement in sequence ("The Beginning," "After the Beginning"), and a survey asks how readers are enjoying the book. Adding to the inviting atmosphere is the simple layout with generous wide panels and full-page cartoons. This is a silly, no-stakes adventure that will increase reader familiarity with changing voices and perspectives, and let kids feel like active participants. A.J. is brown-skinned, Andrea is white, and both students and teachers are a diverse group. Back matter includes a list of websites with more information about climate change, as well as a note encouraging children to convince their parents to support politicians endorsed by the Sierra Club and Greenpeace. VERDICT From the opening warning about scenes of "graphic violins," it's clear that weirdness extends to all parts of this out-of-this-world field trip.-Thomas Maluck, Richland Lib., SC

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