Brain Scam

by Jonathan Harlen

In this funny and fast-paced story, a boy named Toby Judge overcomes his fears to fight for what he believes is right. Kreeb's Correct-a-torium is a school for delinquent children housed in an abandoned monastery full of dungeons and underground passageways. Kids will delight in the gross and gruesome details as Toby infiltrates the school and attempts to save its students from the horrible punishments of the evil, child-hating Professor Kreeb.

204 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2004

About the author

Jonathan Harlen is the author of the young adult novel The Lion and the Lamb, and of other works for adults and children. He was born in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1963.

Reviews

[Chanel · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

[Christina Minoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's honestly one of the most unforgettable books I've ever read.

[natercopia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This heroic story is about a boy 'trying' to be a bad kid to enrol himself in the Correct-a-trium (a place that promise parents to turn their kids into angels), in order to trap the mean Professer Kreeb. A simple plot that doesn't bore the readers with it's charm of engaging the readers. The writing was good enough to keep the readers reading without emphasizing too much on the antagonist twisted mind. It did not just start off on a good note with the beginning and the middle of the story but it also managed to end the story well (which many books cannot sustain that flow). But if you like a more gruesome/horror children story, I'm afraid this is going to disappoint you. Why 4 stars? Again, Jonathan Harlen succeeded in telling a CHILDREN story.

[PurplyCookie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The scene: an abandoned monastery, hemmed in by pine trees, with seven floors consisting of dungeons and underground passageways. The reason for this is renowned child-hater Prof. Kreeb's mission in life: to rid the world of misbehaving children through the use of the Binoculator.

But she'd better watch out since Toby Judge plans to infiltrate her Correct-a-torium and rescue the kids from gruesome punishments being inflicted upon them--even if it means becoming bad himself in order to gain entry.


Book Details:

Title Brain Scam
Author Jonathan Harlen
Reviewed By Purplycookie

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was funny, twisted, sparkling and filled with vivid imaginations, which I think were perfect for a children's story. I specially loved Toby's weird sister and her crazy inventions. And the letters about Toby were just hilarious!! A jolly good read for kids as well as adults