The Brain Sucker (Glenn Wood, Walker Books)

Callum is stoked with the fancy new wheelchair that his gran Rose has bought him for his birthday. He’s even more stoked when his best friend Sophie, who’s a bit of a mechanical genius, gives him some souped-up additions, turning it into the most high-tech ride around. But things go downhill fast. First, Callum and Rose are summoned from their peaceful village to the grey, unfriendly city in order to prove that she’s still fit to look after him. Then a darkness befalls the city, as a man with a black heart makes it his mission to steal the goodness from everyone, including Rose. The Brain Sucker is a light read for upper-primary students looking for a laugh. There is a sense of old-school melodrama in the story, with its gleeful villain trying to obliterate goodness. In parts it is reminiscent of ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’, but while it will appeal to many of the same readers, it lacks the irony and depth of character that attracted older readers to that series. However, for younger readers looking for something light and entertaining, this is a well-written and energetic read.

Bec Kavanagh is a Melbourne-based writer and reviewer

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Category: Reviews