Rating: AdditionalHarperCollins, 2008, $17.89
ISBN: 978-0006085186
Age/Grade Level: grades 3-7
Age/Grade Level: grades 3-7
Not just anybody is admitted to the Allbright Academy, which was founded by two Nobel Prize winning scientists. Only the creme de la creme are enrolled. Four of the school's students are Franny and her friends Cal, Brooklyn, and Prescott. Once the gifted children arrive, it is time for their mind-control lessons and their chemically formulated brownies, as the Academy prepares to rule the world, or at least portions of it, through their alumni. New recruit Franny and her pals begin to unravel the sinister machinations of the power-hungry echelons. The plot thickens rather predictably for adult readers expecting grist. Children may enjoy exploring the theme of mind control or freedom and the aspect of students vs. teachers.
Reviewer: Rebecca Porter, Orange County Public Library/Laguna Beach branch
