“Attack of the Frozen Woodchucks” by Dan Elish
April 28–May 2
“As Jimmy Weathers helped his mother set the table that Saturday evening in early April, he had no idea that the fate of mankind was about to come crashing down on his shoulders. It happened just as Jimmy was laying a fork on his father’s napkin,” begins The Attack of the Frozen Woodchucks by Dan Elish.
A pretty weighty situation for the average fifth grader, but Jimmy Weathers turns out to be anything but the average kid when frozen woodchucks begin attacking the galaxy. With William Taft, his best friend; Janice Claytooth, a ten-year-old rocket scientist; and Imogene Weathers, a two-year-old, Jimmy sets out to save the universe. Will they be able to discover the mystery of the frozen woodchucks before it’s too late?
Sorry–if you want to know the answer, you’re going to either need to peek outside and make sure the world still looks okay or pick up your own copy of Dan Elish’s middle-grade fiction book.
Where to find more about Attack of the Frozen Woodchuck and author, Dan Elish:
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Publisher’s Website Author’s Website |
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Look for reviews of Attack of the Frozen Woodchucks in The Washington Post. | |
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Interview with Dan Elish in Longstockings Interview with Dan Elish in Work-in-Progress |
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Other books by Dan Elish: Born Too Short Nine Wives The Misadventures of Hearnfeld 13: A Novel (coming July 1!) |
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Here’s what MotherTalk reviewers are saying about Attack of the Frozen Woodchucks:
Sheepish Anne says, “All in all, I give The Attack Of The Frozen Woodchucks a solid thumbs-up. It is an engaging book with a very unique story line. The characters are immensely likable and each plays their role to a T. The only possible down-side to this story is the eventual decision by the reader to try and build a spaceship in the attic. That could create some havoc within the household, I’m sure!”
Baggage and Bug says, “It features smart characters who are truly likeable. I especially liked little two year old Imogene who is an inventor.”
They Grow in Your Heart says, “I have to say, first of all, cutest part of the entire book is that one of our heroines is a two year old inventor named Imogene. It is really too funny, and I can’t imagine any kid not getting a kick out her. Jimmy Weathers, our protagonist, deals with a kidnapped father, racing through space, and yep, frozen woodchucks who are attacking the galaxy. The story is full of adventure and will keep kids of various reading levels entertained - something else that’s important to me.”
My Life As it Is says, “This book is a great read for older kids - 5th grade to 9th grade. It’s also highly enjoyable for a parent. Mr. Elish has done a great job at developing believable, well-developed and likable characters. The pace is just right. And his writing allows you to picture what is happening as you read it. The creativity is perfect.”
Lastly, Miss O’s School Library says, “Janice magically transforms her rusty attic into a spaceship called The Fifth Floor…I am already having imaginary thoughts about The Fifth Floor. I do live in a Fourth Floor apartment, which is the top floor of the building so you never know.”
