Bully-Be-Gone

January 1, 2006
Gr 3-6 -Millicent Madding, 12, is descended from a long line of scientists known for their amazing inventions. Six years ago, her parents disappeared while testing their new time machine and Millicent moved in with her absent-minded Uncle Phineas. His wife, a famous acrobat, was shot out of a forceful cannon 20 years ago and has not been seen since. Millicent is a member of the top-secret Wunderkind Club, a group of advanced students who, aided by a very special librarian, meet in a hidden room in the public library. It is at these gatherings that the young people unveil their latest inventions. Since the group is frequently the target of bullies, Millicent creates a fragrance called Bully-Be-Gone. The application of this supposed repellent goes awry like many of her inventions, causing the bullies to become infatuated with their former victims. Millicent's friends are furious with her and she works hard to create an antidote to reverse the effects. However, her uncle's reaction to the scent leads to an unexpected reunion. The book has zippy dialogue and brilliant use of alliteration, and the author shows a Dickensian talent for creating descriptive names. The eccentric characters are fun, and the silly but substantive plot will surely appeal to children." -B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Library, Sag Harbor, NY"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2006
Millicent, the scion of a family of adventurous inventors, aspires to continue the family tradition despite incessant failures. Her attempt to thwart local bullies produces plenty of unintended consequences, including a whole different kind of bully-on-geek harassment and the bizarre reunion of long-lost lovers. Tacang's assemblage of eccentric, silly-named characters is generally entertaining but falls short of hilarity.

(Copyright 2006 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)