The Science Fair is Freaky! (Eerie Elementary #4), written by Jack Chabert, illustrated by Sam Ricks, reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary:  This is a very cute series for young chapter book readers that like to be a bit scared. In this series book one, readers learn why the school is called Orson Eerie Elementary and that he became a mad scientist and haunts the school. Sam has been made Hall Monitor and has a special belt as he has beaten the scientist in past titles in the series. In this one, their teacher is planning and explaining to the students about a science fair. When Sam, Lucy, and Antonio discover that the custodian is not happy about it, they become intrigued. They learn that there had not been a science fair in years and decide there must be a reason for that. When they discover there were dangerous situations when there was a science fair, they seek out to find out how Orson Eerie is connected to science fairs. In the library, they find an old book in a broken vent and it begins to move on its own. The kids decide to choose experiments from this book. They figure out the book belonged to Orson Eerie and they know he wants the book back! After removing the book from the school all seems better. Well, until the day of the science fair when everything is out of control and only Sam, Lucy, and Antonio can stop the danger!

Straight Talk for Librarians:  My elementary school students love this series from the Scholastic Branches collection. I love the short chapters and the extra white space as well as the illustrations by Sam Ricks that are engaging and helpful for new chapter book readers building reading stamina and comprehension strength. As always, there are some questions at the end that may help students and/or their parents as they read and discuss the story together.