What do you think?
Rate this book
Howard Boward
How to Survive Middle School and Monster Bots
Sometimes, being smart just isn’t enough It’s been a rough semester for Howard Boward, science genius. Not only is he having to dodge winter’s most feared weapon (snowballs), his close friend, Winnie McKinney, is barely speaking to him. If that weren’t enough, he’s the favorite target of some bullies who seem determined to make life at Dolley Madison Middle School as miserable as possible. But then Howard learns about an upcoming robot-building contest—finally a chance to show off his science skills and beat archrival Gerald “G-Force” Forster! Unfortunately, the only way to win is by using his secret “monster goo,” a formula that has terrifying side effects. Can Howard resist the temptation? Or will he unleash a robot rampage that could destroy the town—and ruin the school dance?
224 pages, Hardcover
First published September 16, 2014
24 people want to read
About the author
Ron Bates
11 books21 followersRon Bates began his career as a newspaper reporter in Texas, and later became an editor and columnist. His humorous features led him to a job as the resident humor columnist for three of Legacy Publishing’s regional magazines. As a freelance writer, Bates’ works include the children’s story, “Arnold Bought a Bug,” and “St. Mary’s and the Art of War,” the true story of how Italian POWs transformed a tiny Texas church. Bates also wrote the Cranium Comics series “Brawn,” the inspirational play, “Flight 1615,” and “Underground Ink,” a collection of funny poems. An award-winning copywriter, Bates lives in Frisco, Texas. howtomakefriendsandmonsters.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 16, 2017
Reseña en español
I picked up this book without realizing it was the second in a series but however I really enjoyed it!
The entire novel is told in first person from the point of view of Howard Boward, a child who has to deal with all the problems that comes with being a genius. It tells how he cause chaos in the city without knowing it and how their days at school are practically a nightmare, because he is a victim of bullying. It also features his enemy-of-the-science, Gerald, who seems to have invented a robot that leaves everyone surprised. Since Gerald Howard not stand him win, decides to build a robot to overtake his rival.
When Howard talks about his problems, thoughts and occurrences, it makes a fun and comical way. I laughed with his anecdotes and the sarcastic and ironic way that he talks.
So for those who thought that the children's fiction was just for kids, I think it is wrong for adults can also enjoy; and in fact, I think if you are older, you'll understand more easily the sarcasm and logic.
It also has ingredients of science fiction, and because of robots and science, have a touch of suspense. Furthermore the end I found half satisfactory and half disappointing. Disappointing because I think Howard is a very cute character and, with his personality and his crazy ideas he'll have more adventures to live, so I guess there will be more books from him.
I recieved a free e-book through BookLookBloogers but this fact did not influence the review.
I picked up this book without realizing it was the second in a series but however I really enjoyed it!
The entire novel is told in first person from the point of view of Howard Boward, a child who has to deal with all the problems that comes with being a genius. It tells how he cause chaos in the city without knowing it and how their days at school are practically a nightmare, because he is a victim of bullying. It also features his enemy-of-the-science, Gerald, who seems to have invented a robot that leaves everyone surprised. Since Gerald Howard not stand him win, decides to build a robot to overtake his rival.
When Howard talks about his problems, thoughts and occurrences, it makes a fun and comical way. I laughed with his anecdotes and the sarcastic and ironic way that he talks.
So for those who thought that the children's fiction was just for kids, I think it is wrong for adults can also enjoy; and in fact, I think if you are older, you'll understand more easily the sarcasm and logic.
It also has ingredients of science fiction, and because of robots and science, have a touch of suspense. Furthermore the end I found half satisfactory and half disappointing. Disappointing because I think Howard is a very cute character and, with his personality and his crazy ideas he'll have more adventures to live, so I guess there will be more books from him.
I recieved a free e-book through BookLookBloogers but this fact did not influence the review.
March 7, 2025
I read the first Howard Boward book with my kid. He really enjoyed it. So I bought this one to read with him and he said no thanks. So I read it on my own. I enjoyed it. I felt like Howard actually grew on this book - and finally made some real friends. Cute littl fun book. I’m glad I read it
January 18, 2019
IT'S AWESOME
December 12, 2014
Can you imagine being a science genius? Not even the change of the season is considered easy, normal, or simple. Not every science nerd is a geek, in fact what would our lives be like without them?
"First, before I say anything else, I want to make one thing clear:
some of my best friends are machines. Seriously..."
Meet Howard, a middle school Sci-guy. Earlier on he created a goo that will once again take on a life of it's own design (more about that in a bit). Howard has a big problem, better known as school bullies. These guys are not the type you enjoy seeing coming your way. They even have their own alley of anxiety (Snowball Alley). Beyond the daily onslaught of bullying, Howard also has a nemesis who has just made a rather "good" robot that is able to make hoop shots. G-Force and his Basket-bot could surpass Howard's robotic genius. Although Howard is not an inventor who will be de-throned, he does run into some very mysterious happenings:
"Here it is--the good stuff, the bad stuff, and the stuff I was hoping no one would ever find out about.
It's time the truth came out.
I'll be the first to admit I made a ton of mistakes, and caused a lot of trouble,
and put just about everyone I know in danger....
But just so you know, the robots started it."
As Howard explains the sequence of events, you must acknowledge his passion for making the best robot. His joy when he discovers an after school robot club (BAs). His quick thinking as the Winter Formal is about to be crashed (or smashed) beyond repair. His restraint when he faces the bullies and chooses not to retaliate on their level. And, of course, there is the little "rooting" for Howard when everything he cares about rapidly begins destroying his plans in winning the Believer Achievers Robotics Fair.
The only saving grace is the town's annual Mega-Monster Film Festival. Well, and the help of his Uncle... a few friends... his family... and of course the BAs! Remember that invention of goo? It seems that once you pour it into a box and you add a few ingredients, well it tends to create other self-feeding robots. With the town dressing up for the Mega-Monster Film Festival and the robotic smashers... the town, and the dance, are in extreme danger. How does Howard stop the chaos? That's the hook... I will tell you that dancing sure burns up energy.
This story is an adventure that will provide you with laughter, serious shut-your-eyes bullying, and of course awe-inspiring Sci-guy wowzers...
Enjoy the fun,
MrsK http://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/
"First, before I say anything else, I want to make one thing clear:
some of my best friends are machines. Seriously..."
Meet Howard, a middle school Sci-guy. Earlier on he created a goo that will once again take on a life of it's own design (more about that in a bit). Howard has a big problem, better known as school bullies. These guys are not the type you enjoy seeing coming your way. They even have their own alley of anxiety (Snowball Alley). Beyond the daily onslaught of bullying, Howard also has a nemesis who has just made a rather "good" robot that is able to make hoop shots. G-Force and his Basket-bot could surpass Howard's robotic genius. Although Howard is not an inventor who will be de-throned, he does run into some very mysterious happenings:
"Here it is--the good stuff, the bad stuff, and the stuff I was hoping no one would ever find out about.
It's time the truth came out.
I'll be the first to admit I made a ton of mistakes, and caused a lot of trouble,
and put just about everyone I know in danger....
But just so you know, the robots started it."
As Howard explains the sequence of events, you must acknowledge his passion for making the best robot. His joy when he discovers an after school robot club (BAs). His quick thinking as the Winter Formal is about to be crashed (or smashed) beyond repair. His restraint when he faces the bullies and chooses not to retaliate on their level. And, of course, there is the little "rooting" for Howard when everything he cares about rapidly begins destroying his plans in winning the Believer Achievers Robotics Fair.
The only saving grace is the town's annual Mega-Monster Film Festival. Well, and the help of his Uncle... a few friends... his family... and of course the BAs! Remember that invention of goo? It seems that once you pour it into a box and you add a few ingredients, well it tends to create other self-feeding robots. With the town dressing up for the Mega-Monster Film Festival and the robotic smashers... the town, and the dance, are in extreme danger. How does Howard stop the chaos? That's the hook... I will tell you that dancing sure burns up energy.
This story is an adventure that will provide you with laughter, serious shut-your-eyes bullying, and of course awe-inspiring Sci-guy wowzers...
Enjoy the fun,
MrsK http://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/
October 22, 2014
About the Book:
Sometimes, being smart just isn t enough
It s been a rough semester for Howard Boward, science genius. Not only is he having to dodge winter s most feared weapon (snowballs), his close friend, Winnie McKinney, is barely speaking to him. If that weren t enough, he s the favorite target of some bullies who seem determined to make life at Dolley Madison Middle School as miserable as possible. But then Howard learns about an upcoming robot-building contest finally a chance to show off his science skills and beat archrival Gerald G-Force Forster! Unfortunately, the only way to win is by using his secret monster goo, a formula that has terrifying side effects. Can Howard resist the temptation? Or will he unleash a robot rampage that could destroy the town and ruin the school dance?"
About the Author:
Ron Bates is a novelist and humor columnist who writes about secret laboratories, monsters, bullies, robots, cafeteria food, and other perils of middle school. A former newspaper reporter, he is the author of How to Make Friends and Monsters, How to Survive Middle School and Monster Bots, the comic book series Brawn, and numerous poems and plays for kids who like to laugh. He lives in Texas.
My Review:
Howard Boward has a problem, he's smart, but apparently not smart enough to have known about a science club at his school. When he finds out about the club from his academic rival, he decides to talk to his favorite teacher about getting into the club. Soon the club is abuzz about this contest that they all want to enter---a contest dedicated to robot building. Howard really wants to enter this contest but he has very little time to prepare. So Howard goes to his secret lab to begin working on his creation. After several failed attempts, he decides to bring out the big guns and use monster goo. In spite of the warnings from his friend, he decides to use the monster goo anyway, even though that it could spell trouble to mankind.
Soon there are several things to worry about after his so-called invention. There are prombies that are fascinated with the school dance that is upon the school. There is some bullying happening that Howard is ready to take action against but he finds out quickly that going to his older brother for help is a big mistake. If you would like to learn more about this book, you can do so here.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the Z Blog Squad.
Sometimes, being smart just isn t enough
It s been a rough semester for Howard Boward, science genius. Not only is he having to dodge winter s most feared weapon (snowballs), his close friend, Winnie McKinney, is barely speaking to him. If that weren t enough, he s the favorite target of some bullies who seem determined to make life at Dolley Madison Middle School as miserable as possible. But then Howard learns about an upcoming robot-building contest finally a chance to show off his science skills and beat archrival Gerald G-Force Forster! Unfortunately, the only way to win is by using his secret monster goo, a formula that has terrifying side effects. Can Howard resist the temptation? Or will he unleash a robot rampage that could destroy the town and ruin the school dance?"
About the Author:
Ron Bates is a novelist and humor columnist who writes about secret laboratories, monsters, bullies, robots, cafeteria food, and other perils of middle school. A former newspaper reporter, he is the author of How to Make Friends and Monsters, How to Survive Middle School and Monster Bots, the comic book series Brawn, and numerous poems and plays for kids who like to laugh. He lives in Texas.
My Review:
Howard Boward has a problem, he's smart, but apparently not smart enough to have known about a science club at his school. When he finds out about the club from his academic rival, he decides to talk to his favorite teacher about getting into the club. Soon the club is abuzz about this contest that they all want to enter---a contest dedicated to robot building. Howard really wants to enter this contest but he has very little time to prepare. So Howard goes to his secret lab to begin working on his creation. After several failed attempts, he decides to bring out the big guns and use monster goo. In spite of the warnings from his friend, he decides to use the monster goo anyway, even though that it could spell trouble to mankind.
Soon there are several things to worry about after his so-called invention. There are prombies that are fascinated with the school dance that is upon the school. There is some bullying happening that Howard is ready to take action against but he finds out quickly that going to his older brother for help is a big mistake. If you would like to learn more about this book, you can do so here.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the Z Blog Squad.
October 17, 2014
Title: HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL AND MONSTER BOTS
Author: Howard Boward and Ron Bates
Publisher: Zonderkidz
September 2014
ISBN: 978-0310736080
Genre: Tweener / Science fiction
Sometimes, being smart just isn’t enough
It’s been a rough semester for Howard Boward, science genius. Not only is he having to dodge winter’s most feared weapon (snowballs), his close friend, Winnie McKinney, is barely speaking to him. If that weren’t enough, he’s the favorite target of some bullies who seem determined to make life at Dolley Madison Middle School as miserable as possible. But then Howard learns about an upcoming robot-building contest—finally a chance to show off his science skills and beat archrival Gerald “G-Force” Forster! Unfortunately, the only way to win is by using his secret “monster goo,” a formula that has terrifying side effects. Can Howard resist the temptation? Or will he unleash a robot rampage that could destroy the town—and ruin the school dance?
The review (written by my tween daughter): HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL AND MONSTER BOTS was kind of interesting. It is the second book in the series. I didn't read the first, but I wasn't lost. They talk about robots and how scary middle school is. Howard had this barrel of goo, I don’t know where he got it, but it appeared to be kind of a magic goo that grows and stuff. The goo starts multiplying and turns into a… well, you have to read the book and find out.
I recommend it to people that like robots and science fiction. It wasn’t really scary. It was kind of weird and funny at times. I liked the authors’ sense of humor. This would be a great book for tween boys. My older brother (who is not a tween) actually laughed out loud a few times when he read it. Available in ebook and in hard cover. 224 pages.
Author: Howard Boward and Ron Bates
Publisher: Zonderkidz
September 2014
ISBN: 978-0310736080
Genre: Tweener / Science fiction
Sometimes, being smart just isn’t enough
It’s been a rough semester for Howard Boward, science genius. Not only is he having to dodge winter’s most feared weapon (snowballs), his close friend, Winnie McKinney, is barely speaking to him. If that weren’t enough, he’s the favorite target of some bullies who seem determined to make life at Dolley Madison Middle School as miserable as possible. But then Howard learns about an upcoming robot-building contest—finally a chance to show off his science skills and beat archrival Gerald “G-Force” Forster! Unfortunately, the only way to win is by using his secret “monster goo,” a formula that has terrifying side effects. Can Howard resist the temptation? Or will he unleash a robot rampage that could destroy the town—and ruin the school dance?
The review (written by my tween daughter): HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL AND MONSTER BOTS was kind of interesting. It is the second book in the series. I didn't read the first, but I wasn't lost. They talk about robots and how scary middle school is. Howard had this barrel of goo, I don’t know where he got it, but it appeared to be kind of a magic goo that grows and stuff. The goo starts multiplying and turns into a… well, you have to read the book and find out.
I recommend it to people that like robots and science fiction. It wasn’t really scary. It was kind of weird and funny at times. I liked the authors’ sense of humor. This would be a great book for tween boys. My older brother (who is not a tween) actually laughed out loud a few times when he read it. Available in ebook and in hard cover. 224 pages.
January 5, 2015
Howard Boward is back and his nerdy geeky self has run into some problems. He's become the target of bullies at Dolley Madison Middle School. You'd think that would make him sympathetic to others with his same plight. But you'd be wrong! Howard not only has a nerd problem he has an ego problem as well.
When Howard discovers that there is a science club that he is not included in he sets out to become a member. One of the projects of the club is a robot building contest. He's sure that he can instantly build the best robot of all the members. When things don't turn out like he expects he's forced to resort to the "monster goo" that he invented, but when crazy things start to happen he's up a creek without a paddle!
This book is a great fit for middle-grade boys. They are sure to find it humorous with the crazy antics of Howard and the other middle school boys. It captures that middle school age group perfectly without resorting to crude remarks and behaviors. Howard is portrayed as far from perfect, in fact he is somewhat egotistical, but by the end of the story he learns some very valuable life lessons. This is a great book for some in depth discussions on what is acceptable behavior in trying situations. I'd recommend it to anyone with a middle grade boy in their life. By the way, I think girls would like it too but it really is written towards a male audience.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
When Howard discovers that there is a science club that he is not included in he sets out to become a member. One of the projects of the club is a robot building contest. He's sure that he can instantly build the best robot of all the members. When things don't turn out like he expects he's forced to resort to the "monster goo" that he invented, but when crazy things start to happen he's up a creek without a paddle!
This book is a great fit for middle-grade boys. They are sure to find it humorous with the crazy antics of Howard and the other middle school boys. It captures that middle school age group perfectly without resorting to crude remarks and behaviors. Howard is portrayed as far from perfect, in fact he is somewhat egotistical, but by the end of the story he learns some very valuable life lessons. This is a great book for some in depth discussions on what is acceptable behavior in trying situations. I'd recommend it to anyone with a middle grade boy in their life. By the way, I think girls would like it too but it really is written towards a male audience.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
January 5, 2015
What an incredibly delightful book! This chapter book is a perfect read for older elementary age children and the older crowds - like it's namesake junior high level kids - will enjoy this and zip right through it!
Howard is an incredibly bright, wonderful student that creates robot for the science fair but it runs quickly sour! He's bullied by his classmates which makes him a loner and he spends his time with science and building his new robot after his first one runs away from home. It comes back and to the rescue when the new science fair robot tries to take over the school!
This book is a fun, quick, delightful read. One note: This is the second book in the series, of which I did not read, and you don't need to read that one to follow along. This book stands alone just fine!
I thank BookLook bloggers for the chance to review this book and my review is a positive opinion expressed by me on my own accord
Howard is an incredibly bright, wonderful student that creates robot for the science fair but it runs quickly sour! He's bullied by his classmates which makes him a loner and he spends his time with science and building his new robot after his first one runs away from home. It comes back and to the rescue when the new science fair robot tries to take over the school!
This book is a fun, quick, delightful read. One note: This is the second book in the series, of which I did not read, and you don't need to read that one to follow along. This book stands alone just fine!
I thank BookLook bloggers for the chance to review this book and my review is a positive opinion expressed by me on my own accord
March 3, 2015
First of all - Howard Boward. How fun is it to say his name? If there is a person out there with a real name like that - I want it & you are my hero! How to Survive Middle School and Monster Bots is really a fun read and perfect for middle grade. Although he is very smart and can be considered as "geeky", the bullying from other kids doesn't stop him from still thinking he is the best. When he doesn't get invited to a science club that has a contest in building robots, he will do anything to win.
I loved the life lesson that this novel represents. A lot of the times, middle grade characters are not portrayed the way they should be and it's good to see that this is not the case. Howard and other boys are a perfect example of that age group and definitely think that middle grade boys should check this out. Monster robots with a hidden life lesson? Definitely a winner!!!
I loved the life lesson that this novel represents. A lot of the times, middle grade characters are not portrayed the way they should be and it's good to see that this is not the case. Howard and other boys are a perfect example of that age group and definitely think that middle grade boys should check this out. Monster robots with a hidden life lesson? Definitely a winner!!!
January 26, 2015
RATING 3.75
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews