Synopsis
Henry McThrottle thought Northwest Southeast Central School was wacky. But then he comes across the Pencil of Doom ... and things get REALLY out of control.
Another hilarious school story from NYT bestselling author Andy Griffiths!
Children's Literature
Did you know that "knowing how to make a pencil vanish is a very important life skill?" In fact, it is important lesson number one. The curriculum at Northwest Southeast Central seems to be the weird and wonderful. During one of Mr. Brainfright's lessons, the students discover that one of their pencils is truly evil. Anything they draw or doodle comes true. Jack gets arrested for stealing a million dollars, an escaped lion attacks, and Henry almost gets his head cut off. The pencil has a diabolical mind of its own and must be tricked to be destroyed. Poor Henry risks his life over and over again trying to prevail. In the end he swears that the story is all true. This second book in the "Schooling Around" series delivers giant kid humor. Griffiths parodies the conventions of school, but don't worry, it is all in good fun. This reader-friendly chapter book will appeal to a wide range of students. The short chapters will not intimidate reluctant readers, and the wacky humor will entice all. So don't expect this book to collect dust on classroom and library shelves. Reviewer: Ann Farina