Jonny Jakes is the rogue reporter behind the banned school newspaper the Woodford Word. Unable to unmask Jonny's true identity, the principal resigns, and in his place, the school hires Mr. Jones, an alien from Huurl who is too good to be true. He hands out candy to everyone, but Jonny and a couple friends know something's fishy and refuse to eat it. After a few weeks they realize that the candy turns the students and teachers into smiling, mindless zombies. After the candy, Mr. Jones starts feeding the students free hamburgers. They look and smell disgusting and have a rapid and nasty side effect: they make everyone who eats them fat and flatulent. Determined to rid their school of this infestation, they start to plot a way to defeat Jones, finding that dumbwaiters and spices can be effective weapons. Humorous and imaginative, the illustrations, newspaper headlines, and Post-it notes will keep readers of all ages up past their bedtimes to finish what, hopefully, is Jonny's first adventure of many.

Gr 3-6 Jonny Jakes may not be the undercover reporter his school wants, but he's the undercover reporter that his school needs, no matter what Mr. Hardy says. Jonny writes for the banned school newspaper, The Woodford Word, and tackles the big issues using his other pen name, Fiona Friend. But when the paper goes too far and a new principal comes to town, it's not just Jonny who's in trouble. Mr. Jones seems great, but there's just one small problemhe's an alien. An alien whom Jonny is sure is up to something quite nefarious. Together with classmate Norris, unlikely ally Julie, the smartest girl in school Sally, and their drama teacher, Ms. Briars, the rag tag group must undo Mr. Jones's mind control and stop him from consuming their school and possibly the planet. A diary-style format interspersed with cartoon illustrations and clippings from The Woodword Word keep pages interesting and particularly appealing for reluctant readers. Full of action and colorful humor, this novel will have kids anxiously flipping pages to discover the fate of Jonny and his friends. VERDICT Jonny Jakes and his antics will keep readers more than entertained and keep this book flying off shelves. Ashley Prior, Lincoln Public Library, RI