What do you think?
Rate this book
Dr. Critchlore's School for Minions #2
Gorilla Tactics
The second book in this hilarious, illustrated series cracks the imaginative world of minions wide open, and we meet the other schools and Evil Overlords that surround Dr. Critchlore’s.
Runt Higgins needs answers, fast. Someone cursed him to die on his sixteenth birthday, but no one seems to know who cursed him or why. Runt decides he must find the Great Library, where all true knowledge is hidden. Unfortunately, the only people who know the location of the Great Library are a covert network of librarian-spies who’d rather die than give up the Library’s secrets. And when one of Runt’s professors is attacked, it soon becomes clear that others are also out to find the Library at any cost. Meanwhile, Runt’s not the only one whose days are numbered. To save the floundering school from an inevitable sale, Dr. Critchlore takes some desperate measures. His master plan to save the school: a fashion show.
Runt Higgins needs answers, fast. Someone cursed him to die on his sixteenth birthday, but no one seems to know who cursed him or why. Runt decides he must find the Great Library, where all true knowledge is hidden. Unfortunately, the only people who know the location of the Great Library are a covert network of librarian-spies who’d rather die than give up the Library’s secrets. And when one of Runt’s professors is attacked, it soon becomes clear that others are also out to find the Library at any cost. Meanwhile, Runt’s not the only one whose days are numbered. To save the floundering school from an inevitable sale, Dr. Critchlore takes some desperate measures. His master plan to save the school: a fashion show.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 12, 2016
3 people are currently reading
514 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 11, 2016
Runt is back in another installment of Dr. Crichlore's School for Minions. Runt's sixteenth birthday is quickly approaching, so he is desperate to find out who put this curse on him and convince them to break it. If he can't get answers soon, he will end up dying on his birthday. When hints surface that the Great Library might have answers for him, Runt once again enlists the help of his friends, Skye and Frankie to locate the spies (librarians) who have been tasked with protecting its wealth of knowledge and location. But, Runt is not the only one who is seeking the Great Library, and what is going on with Dr. Critchlore hosting a fashion show to try and save the school?
I'm always initially drawn to Dr. Crichlores's School for Minions by the cover and illustrations by Joe Suphin, and I just love the detailed map at the beginning too. Quite eye catching and engaging. It really draws you into these characters. And my are there some characters, all with very unique personalities. I'm kinda partial to Uncle Ludwig, who seems to know much more than he is letting on (he's in the bottom right of the cover). It's hard to not like the trio of Skye, Frankie and Runt though too. Runt has always had a rocky time at the School for Minions. After the first book, he found out that his friend Skye was keeping an important secret from him and getting into the Junior Henchmen program has been more challenging than he expected. Runt has taken to making to-do lists to help stay focused on his tasks, but still faces the same problem most of us face when starting these lists, eventually you have to revise and add things to them almost constantly. Skye has been trying to make amends with Runt for keeping the secret from him that he isn't a werewolf, which left him feeling pretty hurt and humiliated for much of the first part of the book. It isn't until Runt is put into a similar situation where he has information about Skye's past that might be hurtful to her, that he see's why she kept things to herself for so long. It isn't easy to tell your friend the truth all the time. I liked that Runt finally realizes just how unfair he has been, but felt bad for him being in the same situation. I expect we'll learn much more about Skye's past in the next book. Gorilla Tactics seemed to move along at a much faster pace then the first story, with more action and some nice twists in the plot. Lots of plots, with the school takeover, the fashion show to try and save it, who cursed Runt and why? and Skye's past. Plus there was a new mystery for Runt to solve about his own past sending him and his friends off to follow the clues. Yet, everything tied together nicely, and despite a few unanswered questions at the end, I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review via a Giveaway hosted by Aeicha at wordspelunking.blogspot.com
I'm always initially drawn to Dr. Crichlores's School for Minions by the cover and illustrations by Joe Suphin, and I just love the detailed map at the beginning too. Quite eye catching and engaging. It really draws you into these characters. And my are there some characters, all with very unique personalities. I'm kinda partial to Uncle Ludwig, who seems to know much more than he is letting on (he's in the bottom right of the cover). It's hard to not like the trio of Skye, Frankie and Runt though too. Runt has always had a rocky time at the School for Minions. After the first book, he found out that his friend Skye was keeping an important secret from him and getting into the Junior Henchmen program has been more challenging than he expected. Runt has taken to making to-do lists to help stay focused on his tasks, but still faces the same problem most of us face when starting these lists, eventually you have to revise and add things to them almost constantly. Skye has been trying to make amends with Runt for keeping the secret from him that he isn't a werewolf, which left him feeling pretty hurt and humiliated for much of the first part of the book. It isn't until Runt is put into a similar situation where he has information about Skye's past that might be hurtful to her, that he see's why she kept things to herself for so long. It isn't easy to tell your friend the truth all the time. I liked that Runt finally realizes just how unfair he has been, but felt bad for him being in the same situation. I expect we'll learn much more about Skye's past in the next book. Gorilla Tactics seemed to move along at a much faster pace then the first story, with more action and some nice twists in the plot. Lots of plots, with the school takeover, the fashion show to try and save it, who cursed Runt and why? and Skye's past. Plus there was a new mystery for Runt to solve about his own past sending him and his friends off to follow the clues. Yet, everything tied together nicely, and despite a few unanswered questions at the end, I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review via a Giveaway hosted by Aeicha at wordspelunking.blogspot.com
May 21, 2016
*4.5 stars*
Another super-fun installment in a really great series. I love Runt's sweetness, I love the combination of real emotional warmth and gruesome humor, and I also appreciated the (very smoothly and non-didactically included) message about how tyrants drum up hatred against particular groups in order to unify their people behind them.
My one very tiny nitpick was that I personally wished the exchange student had spoken a created language rather than Spanish - I stumbled in reading those bits because they brought up distracting questions for me about the worldbuilding.
However, those were only a very few short scenes in an incredibly fun book with great characters, warmth and lots of wonderful humor, and I'm really looking forward to Book 3!
Another super-fun installment in a really great series. I love Runt's sweetness, I love the combination of real emotional warmth and gruesome humor, and I also appreciated the (very smoothly and non-didactically included) message about how tyrants drum up hatred against particular groups in order to unify their people behind them.
My one very tiny nitpick was that I personally wished the exchange student had spoken a created language rather than Spanish - I stumbled in reading those bits because they brought up distracting questions for me about the worldbuilding.
However, those were only a very few short scenes in an incredibly fun book with great characters, warmth and lots of wonderful humor, and I'm really looking forward to Book 3!
March 9, 2016
BOOKNERD BOY REVIEW:
I just finished this book and I loved it. I had a really hard time putting it down. It was very action packed and I was really connected the the characters. I laughed, felt sad and felt mad when the characters did things. I was entertained the whole time. I felt like I was literally in the book with the characters. I feel like the author left the book open and I hope that is true because I cannot wait to continue the journey with these characters I have grown to love. 5 stars
I just finished this book and I loved it. I had a really hard time putting it down. It was very action packed and I was really connected the the characters. I laughed, felt sad and felt mad when the characters did things. I was entertained the whole time. I felt like I was literally in the book with the characters. I feel like the author left the book open and I hope that is true because I cannot wait to continue the journey with these characters I have grown to love. 5 stars
March 9, 2016
I just finished this book and I loved it. I had a really hard time putting it down. It was very action packed and I was really connected the the characters. I laughed, felt sad and felt mad when the characters did things. I was entertained the whole time. I felt like I was literally in the book with the characters. I feel like the author left the book open and I hope that is true because I cannot wait to continue the journey with these characters I have grown to love. 5 stars
February 4, 2016
Admittedly I have a weakness for found family, and school stories, so this series is made for me. But even with that put aside, this may be one of my favourite series. Funny, touching, exciting, snide, fun.
Also, illustrations!
Also, illustrations!
April 27, 2021
I did not read the first book in Dr. Critchlore's School for Minions, but this was find to read as a standalone story. I would recommend that you start at the beginning though as I did miss some background that would have been helpful. Runt Higgins is running out of time. His sixteenth birthday is quickly approaching, so he is desperate to find out who put this curse on him and convince them to break it, so he won't die on his birthday. He hears whispers about The Great Library that has a lot of secret books, so he wants to find it to see if he can figure out who he is and how to break the curse. He enlists the help of his friends to locate the spies (secret librarians) who have been tasked with protecting the books with their knowledge and its location. There are other things happening, like missing professors, poison, a monster who might be a relative and Dr. Critchlore trying to save his school from being taken over by his nemesis.
I have to say that I loved the characters. We have humans mixed with so many mythical creatures and monsters from books and movies. Gorilla Tactics moved at a relatively quick pace with action, plot twists and adventure. There is some humour, think of monsters and creatures putting on a fashion show. I was interested to see who had cursed Runt and why. We get some answers, but not all of them. I enjoyed the mystery that Runt and his friends have to solve and how they go about it. I loved that libraries and librarians were an integral part of the story and how saving the knowledge was so important. I have to say that the illustrations were wonderful. I spent time really looking at the black and white images that were scattered throughout the story. I wish there had been a few more. The map at the beginning came in handy as Runt and his friends set off on their search. This was an imaginative story with a great plot and I definitely enjoyed this one. I recommend it to middle grade readers.
I have to say that I loved the characters. We have humans mixed with so many mythical creatures and monsters from books and movies. Gorilla Tactics moved at a relatively quick pace with action, plot twists and adventure. There is some humour, think of monsters and creatures putting on a fashion show. I was interested to see who had cursed Runt and why. We get some answers, but not all of them. I enjoyed the mystery that Runt and his friends have to solve and how they go about it. I loved that libraries and librarians were an integral part of the story and how saving the knowledge was so important. I have to say that the illustrations were wonderful. I spent time really looking at the black and white images that were scattered throughout the story. I wish there had been a few more. The map at the beginning came in handy as Runt and his friends set off on their search. This was an imaginative story with a great plot and I definitely enjoyed this one. I recommend it to middle grade readers.
April 23, 2018
These books continue to be such fun little romps. The writing is very clever. Its a rare book that I enjoy the writing style. The plot isn't anything innovative (and is anything really new?), but its the quality of the writing that sells it. Despite this being a middle school aged book, I've laughed out loud several times. I'm already reading the third book. I'm going to be so bummed when I've caught up to the new releases.
June 23, 2017
Review by G.P.: "I like how the author drops hints about who the CLOUD is, while the characters can't figure it out."
December 13, 2018
MORE!!! Where are they!?? (bookstores and libraries- duh)
Enjoy!!
Enjoy!!
March 31, 2016
Gorilla Tactics is the second book in the Dr. Critchlore's School for Minions series written by Sheila Grau and illustrated by Joe Sutphin. This middle grade novel is just as good as the first, and I highly recommend reading the series in order, as the character development and relationships are important. However, if you feel the need to jump in now, I think there is enough hints to the backstory that you will still be able to enjoy this story.
Runt Higgins needs answers, fast. Someone cursed him to die on his sixteenth birthday, but no one seems to know who cursed him or why. Runt decides he must find the Great Library, where all true knowledge is hidden. Unfortunately, the only people who know the location of the Great Library are a covert network of librarian-spies who’d rather die than give up the Library’s secrets. And when one of Runt’s professors is attacked, it soon becomes clear that others are also out to find the Library at any cost. Meanwhile, Runt’s not the only one whose days are numbered. To save the floundering school from an inevitable sale, Dr. Critchlore takes some desperate measures. His master plan to save the school: a fashion show.
Gorilla Tactics is much more than the official summary gives it credit for. There are schemes and subterfuge at every turn, at multiple levels. Scheming teachers and administrators, bullies, teachers with an axe to grind, covert librarians, sirens and fashion shows, and so much more. I liked that Runt and his friends face the usual school issues; like bullies, popularity worries, and trying to pass important classes while still having to face bigger issues like the possibility of a school take over, death, and the most evil guy they can think of gaining access to the most complete library in the universe. Runt and his classmates all have some significant character growth, even the secondary characters like Rufus and Janet. I feel like even the most insignificant role in the larger story might come to be very important as the series continues on. There are problem solving, risk taking, and friendship struggles through out the story- and the action seems non stop. Even when Runt is contemplating his next move or how he is going to get through the current or next crisis the tension level is pretty high. I think that the combination of illustrations and high energy story telling will keep middle grade readers turning pages in this series. I liked that the book wrapped up the story nicely, while opening new questions to make us eager for the next book. It was a satisfying ending, with just a hint of "and then what".
Gorilla Tactics is a wonderful follow up to Dr. Critchlore's School for Minions, and I will be following this series as it continues. I am eager to see how Runt, and the rest progress through school, and beyond. I have many questions I want answered, and cannot wait to see how Grau answers them.
Runt Higgins needs answers, fast. Someone cursed him to die on his sixteenth birthday, but no one seems to know who cursed him or why. Runt decides he must find the Great Library, where all true knowledge is hidden. Unfortunately, the only people who know the location of the Great Library are a covert network of librarian-spies who’d rather die than give up the Library’s secrets. And when one of Runt’s professors is attacked, it soon becomes clear that others are also out to find the Library at any cost. Meanwhile, Runt’s not the only one whose days are numbered. To save the floundering school from an inevitable sale, Dr. Critchlore takes some desperate measures. His master plan to save the school: a fashion show.
Gorilla Tactics is much more than the official summary gives it credit for. There are schemes and subterfuge at every turn, at multiple levels. Scheming teachers and administrators, bullies, teachers with an axe to grind, covert librarians, sirens and fashion shows, and so much more. I liked that Runt and his friends face the usual school issues; like bullies, popularity worries, and trying to pass important classes while still having to face bigger issues like the possibility of a school take over, death, and the most evil guy they can think of gaining access to the most complete library in the universe. Runt and his classmates all have some significant character growth, even the secondary characters like Rufus and Janet. I feel like even the most insignificant role in the larger story might come to be very important as the series continues on. There are problem solving, risk taking, and friendship struggles through out the story- and the action seems non stop. Even when Runt is contemplating his next move or how he is going to get through the current or next crisis the tension level is pretty high. I think that the combination of illustrations and high energy story telling will keep middle grade readers turning pages in this series. I liked that the book wrapped up the story nicely, while opening new questions to make us eager for the next book. It was a satisfying ending, with just a hint of "and then what".
Gorilla Tactics is a wonderful follow up to Dr. Critchlore's School for Minions, and I will be following this series as it continues. I am eager to see how Runt, and the rest progress through school, and beyond. I have many questions I want answered, and cannot wait to see how Grau answers them.
March 14, 2016
Runt Higgins and friends are back for another monster-sized adventure at Dr. Critchlore’s School for Minions. Runt now knows he’s not a werewolf, but who is he and where did he come from? Those are the answers Runt seeks, and he seeks them fast because he’s cursed to die on his 16th birthday. The answers to his past may lie in the Great Library, a place that some say is just myth. With Dr. Pravus up to no good again and Dr. Critchlore busy planning a fashion show (fashion show?!), it’s up to Runt, Syke, Frankie, and company to once again save the day.
Sheila Grau returns to the wacky, whimsical, creepy-fun world of Dr. Critchlore’s School for Minions, in Gorilla Tactics. Wildly funny, bursting with gorilla sized fun, adventure, and imagination, with oodles of unforgettable characters and captivating world-building, Gorilla Tactics is an exciting romp from beginning to end. Grau’s spooktacular and quirky monster-filled world of Dr. Critchlore’s continues to entertain and enthrall with its fascinating inhabitants, cool classes, and surprises around every corner. And, in Gorilla Tactics, this monster-world is further expanded with the introduction of other schools, cities, and beings. Young readers will be amused, delighted, and intrigued by all this world has to offer.
Werewolves, mermaids, sirens, dryads, imps, mole people, zombies, oh my...Gorilla Tactics has them all and then some! With a fun, fresh spin on many classic monsters and mythical beings, Gorilla Tactics serves up plenty of twists and turns. Grau places her characters in many outrageously funny and thrilling situations, that will keep young readers eagerly turning pages.
my final thoughts: Gorilla Tactics brings the laughs, chills, thrills, and fun! Fans of the first book will be delighted by this sequel.
Sheila Grau returns to the wacky, whimsical, creepy-fun world of Dr. Critchlore’s School for Minions, in Gorilla Tactics. Wildly funny, bursting with gorilla sized fun, adventure, and imagination, with oodles of unforgettable characters and captivating world-building, Gorilla Tactics is an exciting romp from beginning to end. Grau’s spooktacular and quirky monster-filled world of Dr. Critchlore’s continues to entertain and enthrall with its fascinating inhabitants, cool classes, and surprises around every corner. And, in Gorilla Tactics, this monster-world is further expanded with the introduction of other schools, cities, and beings. Young readers will be amused, delighted, and intrigued by all this world has to offer.
Werewolves, mermaids, sirens, dryads, imps, mole people, zombies, oh my...Gorilla Tactics has them all and then some! With a fun, fresh spin on many classic monsters and mythical beings, Gorilla Tactics serves up plenty of twists and turns. Grau places her characters in many outrageously funny and thrilling situations, that will keep young readers eagerly turning pages.
my final thoughts: Gorilla Tactics brings the laughs, chills, thrills, and fun! Fans of the first book will be delighted by this sequel.
April 25, 2016
Review originally appeared @ Reading Lark: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2016/...
Runt Higgins is back! A couple of months have passed since the events of the first book in the series, and Runt is determined to figure out who cursed him to die on his 16th birthday. In order to do that, he needs to find the Great Library. Unfortunately, most people believe the Great Library is just a legend. At the same time, the director of a rival minion school is trying to take over Critchlore’s School for Minions. Luckily for Runt, Dr. Critchlore has a brilliant plan to save the school with…a fashion show.
I confess that I thought the idea of a fashion show was pretty lame and that Gorilla Tactics, as well as the fashion show, would go down in flames. I needn’t have worried. In Grau’s capable hands, the fashion show had a great twist that ended up relating to both the hostile takeover and the Great Library plot threads and tying them together. Lots of fun.
After the original book, Dr. Critchlore’s School for Minions, I wanted to know more about the world in which the school is situated, and Gorilla Tactics delivers. Readers learn more about the different Evil Overlords and the territories they control. We also get a glimpse of the overall governing body the UNO (United Nations of Overlords) and its legislative arm, the EOC (Evil Overlord Council).
I still think Runt and most of the other kids at Critchlore’s are too nice to be consigned to a future as minions to various Evil Overlords. My kids and I eagerly await the third book to find out what happens next!
Runt Higgins is back! A couple of months have passed since the events of the first book in the series, and Runt is determined to figure out who cursed him to die on his 16th birthday. In order to do that, he needs to find the Great Library. Unfortunately, most people believe the Great Library is just a legend. At the same time, the director of a rival minion school is trying to take over Critchlore’s School for Minions. Luckily for Runt, Dr. Critchlore has a brilliant plan to save the school with…a fashion show.
I confess that I thought the idea of a fashion show was pretty lame and that Gorilla Tactics, as well as the fashion show, would go down in flames. I needn’t have worried. In Grau’s capable hands, the fashion show had a great twist that ended up relating to both the hostile takeover and the Great Library plot threads and tying them together. Lots of fun.
After the original book, Dr. Critchlore’s School for Minions, I wanted to know more about the world in which the school is situated, and Gorilla Tactics delivers. Readers learn more about the different Evil Overlords and the territories they control. We also get a glimpse of the overall governing body the UNO (United Nations of Overlords) and its legislative arm, the EOC (Evil Overlord Council).
I still think Runt and most of the other kids at Critchlore’s are too nice to be consigned to a future as minions to various Evil Overlords. My kids and I eagerly await the third book to find out what happens next!
November 30, 2016
Non-werewolf, puny human Runt Higgins is temporarily distracted from his personal problems (finding his origins and dismantling the curse that will kill him when he turns 16) when Dr. Critchlore resorts to staging a fashion show for the Sirens, whose mothers think he is running a school for minions and models. Funds are dwindling and the School is losing in just about everything to the militaristic Pravus Academy. Runt has gotten off to a bad start with one of his professors who threatens to eject him from the Junior Henchman Training Program--Runt knows he stands a much better chance of finding his real family if he can be a henchman. As usual, Runt ably tackles any problem coming his way, and Grau packs her story with a variety of monster kids, Evil Overlords, a secret society of Librarians and a Secret Library, and genuinely good plotting. Runt finally discovers the secret of his birth by the end of the book, but as in book 1, there is much more story to tell. Lots of fun for upper elementary readers who enjoyed such series as Dragonbreath and Percy Jackson.
May 3, 2016
This second book in the series is intended for readers in 3rd - 6th grade, yet I think that even some junior high readers would enjoy the adventure and humor included. The main character, Runt Higgins, is searching for answers about his family while still trying to help Dr. Crichlore to save the school and the world. It has the elements of adventure that many readers of this age enjoy along with a healthy dose of humor and friendship to keep the story moving. Illustrations by Joe Sutphin add to the appeal of this book. Readers of the Percy Jackson series will see some similarities in both characters and plot development. I would recommend this title to both school and public libraries because it is a good series to get upper elementary readers hooked.
February 10, 2016
I loved this book! The characters and writing are filled with dark humor and remind me of the old Frankenstein stories with Igor. This is the second in the series, which isn't a problem for reading out of order. I did, however, read the first because I enjoyed the characters and setting so much.
School for Minions is liken to Hogwarts, though leaning more to the old horror books instead of witches and wizards. The students were quite memorable and I became quickly fond of their unique outlooks to every situation. I recommend this for young kids who want an intro to horror and for those who love Goosebumps. Well worth the read!!
School for Minions is liken to Hogwarts, though leaning more to the old horror books instead of witches and wizards. The students were quite memorable and I became quickly fond of their unique outlooks to every situation. I recommend this for young kids who want an intro to horror and for those who love Goosebumps. Well worth the read!!
March 19, 2016
Minions! I want 'em, whether they're the obsequious Glory minions (see Buffy, Season Five if you don't know what I mean) or the cute Despicable Me ones. Minions!
Anyway, this series is about minions and their training to work with Evil Overlords. Unlike many of these books, there aren't as many sly-adult jokes included (I always wonder if the middle grade readers get any of them) but they do take a different view of things like "Beauty and the Beast", a tragedy. I can see this being a hit in middle schools everywhere.
ARC provided by publisher.
Anyway, this series is about minions and their training to work with Evil Overlords. Unlike many of these books, there aren't as many sly-adult jokes included (I always wonder if the middle grade readers get any of them) but they do take a different view of things like "Beauty and the Beast", a tragedy. I can see this being a hit in middle schools everywhere.
ARC provided by publisher.
February 13, 2016
Received from: ABRAMS Kids
Received Via: NetGalley.com
THE REVIEW
Why this book?
I really liked the first book of this series
What I thought
I didn't like this one as much as I liked the first one but I did enjoy it. It was fun and imaginative . You never know what's gonna happen next. Just like the first one the world building was excellent . Its also full of fun characters and it has a interesting premise. Overall an enjoyable read.
Received Via: NetGalley.com
THE REVIEW
Why this book?
I really liked the first book of this series
What I thought
I didn't like this one as much as I liked the first one but I did enjoy it. It was fun and imaginative . You never know what's gonna happen next. Just like the first one the world building was excellent . Its also full of fun characters and it has a interesting premise. Overall an enjoyable read.
January 4, 2016
An enjoyable follow-up to the entertaining first book. I found it more challenging to remember who the various characters and their attributes were this time around, though that may have been due as much to the interruptions to my reading as to the plot itself.
Note: I received a digital ARC of this book through NetGalley.
Note: I received a digital ARC of this book through NetGalley.
March 11, 2016
This is one of the best children's books I have read this year the series reminds me of the Falcon Quinn chronicles which I really enjoyed.
It's a fresh take on monsters/minions, its a fantasy, school filled with everyday school issues and rivalries and a secret that gets uncovered which I never saw coming. I thoroughly recommend
It's a fresh take on monsters/minions, its a fantasy, school filled with everyday school issues and rivalries and a secret that gets uncovered which I never saw coming. I thoroughly recommend
June 23, 2016
I may have enjoyed the second book in this series more than the first! There is even more about the interesting world and about Runt's history. There are fashion shows, poisoning plots, ninjas, and hidden libraries. I'd say more, but I wouldn't want to spoil the story!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews