Reading Metrics
Description
Thirteen-year-old Alex, the unluckiest boy alive, opens an unusual fortune cookie and is whisked into another world, where he is threatened by the evil game show hostess Cypress Vine.
Quick Summary
If you've ever felt like nothing goes your way, Alex's story will hit home. He's convinced he's the unluckiest kid alive, until a mysterious fortune cookie propels him into a wild alternate world where luck is literally the name of the game and an over-the-top evil game show hostess is running the show. The humor is fast-paced and silly, but there are some genuinely tense moments when Alex has to outsmart his way out of dangerous situations, so it strikes a fun balance between funny and thrilling. Reluctant readers tend to gravitate toward this one because the short chapters and constant action keep things moving, and fans of absurdity like the Wayside School series will probably get a kick out of it. Parents should know there's some mild peril and a character or two who don't make it out okay, but nothing too heavy for the age range.