Mind If I Read Your Mind?

Ghost Buddy #2

by Henry Winkler, Lin Oliver

Billy and Hoover are back in the hilarious new series from bestselling authors Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver!

It's time for Moorepark Middle School's annual Speak Out Challenge, and Billy Broccoli thinks he's got it made. With his best friend Hoover Porterhouse-the ghost with the most-by his side, Billy's got the competition in the bag. Who wouldn't vote for a demonstration on mind reading?

But when Billy lands a spot on the seventh grade team, he starts spending more time with his new teammates than he does with Hoover. And the Hoove plays second fiddle to no one! If Billy's not careful, his secret weapon might just vanish into thin air, leaving Billy to pick up the pieces of a demonstration day disaster!

Genres: Fiction, Ghosts, Humor, Childrens, Fantasy, Middle Grade

176 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2012

About the author

Henry Winkler is instantly recognizable and admired by audiences of all ages for his role as the Fonz on the long-running series, Happy Days. In addition, he is an award-winning producer and director of family and children's programming. He is also the author of the critically-acclaimed Hank Zipzer series, which follows the everyday adventures of a bright boy with learning challenges.

Mr. Winkler has also continued his acting career on the big screen, including a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in Nightshift, a starring role in the box-office hit Scream, and co-starring roles in The Water Boy, and Holes. On television, he has guest-starred on ABC's The Practice and NBC's Law & Order: SVU. He recently starred on Broadway for nine months in Neil Simon's play The Dinner Party.

Mr. Winkler is deeply committed to children's welfare and works with numerous children's groups. He is involved with The MacLaren Children's Center (a facility for abused children), The National Committee for Arts for the Handicapped, The Special Olympics, and The Los Angeles Music Center's Very Special Arts Festival, as well as numerous teenage alcohol and drug abuse programs. He is a founding member of the Children's Action Network, a non-profit organization that sponsors informational briefings for writers, producers and directors on children's issues and serves as a clearing-house for the entertainment industry on children's issues.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great sequel in this fun series. The narration, that Henry Winkler gives in his reading, is entertaining and keeps the listener's attention through out the story. In this story, Billy is in trouble with a school assignment, where he has to give a speech about something he has a talent in. He is unable to come up with something, so Hoover comes to the rescue with an idea, where Billy can read peoples minds with Hoover's help.

[Juliette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mind If I Read Your Mind is a light-hearted comic story that follows an age old recipe. Young boy meets a friendly ghost, who in order to be released from his limbo-like state needs to earn his ‘wings’ or freedom from a higher power. Whilst its amusing enough, I wouldn’t recommend this book, as it feels as though its missing something. The text is filled with jokes that could appeal to both children and adults alike, but there’s a jarring quality that doesn’t allow it to flow as well as others I’ve read. One thing I have to bear in mind though, is that starting a series on the second book is always going to lead to some confusion, and it wasn’t until I’d finished the book that I realised that it was actually a sequel, so I imagine a lot of questions could be answered by reading the first one. This could be something to bear in mind when recommending books to children – whenever possible follow a series through in order!

The most exciting thing about this book however is the fact that it was written by Fonzie from Happy Days! (Which does show through the very 1970’s teenage ‘Victorian’ ghost!) Its actually through the ghost character that the book could be most useful in literacy as children can imagine how living like ‘The Hoove’ could be for them, encouraging them to consider different perspectives and periods of time.

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one wasn't as funny as the first and the Hoove wasn't always the nicest but it was still a cute listen.

[Judy Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second installment of the "Ghost Buddy" series showcases Hoove’s knack for mind reading. The ghost must prove to the “Higher Ups” that he can be a caring and thoughtful ghost. So he helps Billy by insisting that Billy’s new “talent” for the Speak Out Challenge will be reading his classmates’ thoughts when they should be paying attention in class. Of course, Billy’s mind reading abilities amaze his classmates, and his “talent” earns him new friends and greater respect among his peers. However, in the end, both ghost and boy learn lessons about genuine friendship and caring. The brash and confident Hoove plays off nicely against the introverted and self-doubting Billy. Their verbal quips provide much of the humor in the book. Add to that a blended family, running dentist jokes and typical middle school angst, and you have an appealing story with affable characters and a zany plot. The easy, conversational text moves fairly quickly to a satisfying conclusion. Although this is not the typical “ghost” story that middle school readers crave, it does offer a comedic alternative.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Billy Broccoli and his friends all attend Moorepark Middle school, where Billy's mother is the principal and his dad is a dentist. Billy's annoying sister Breeze, along with her friends Sofia and Brittany, are the popular ones in an all girls band. But Billy struggles a bit with peer pressure, not sure of himself in the confidence department. Do you have a child who struggles with fitting in? Then, the lessons learned in this book are most valuable here. The story line moves along at an enjoyable pace and the conversations are very funny. With a very important up-coming annual school festivity approaching, Billy hears some great advice from his best pal Hoover, a mentoring ghost. Will he take it or figure something out all by himself? I love this exciting chapter book and refreshing writing style by the Fonz. The author does a super job sharing with readers through all the confusing emotions and issues that kids experience. I recommend this book to all families.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winkler and Oliver are an amazing writing team and this new series is a great read. This second book is a direct progression on the first. Hoover Porterhouse is learning how to help Billy Broccoli and Billy is gaining some confidence and learning about who he really wants to be.

This story focuses more on the growing friendship between Billy and Porter, and on Billy's growing friendships at school. It is about growing and growing up. It is amazing how, when we start to like something, losing it can cause us angst. Both of these boys, or really a ghost and his boy, feel that way about each other at different points in the story. Can they overcome their hurt and sense of betrayal and work together again?

Another wonderful read by an amazing pair of authors. Hop on board and give the Ghost Buddy books a try.

Read the review and with links to other reviews of books by the author on my blog Book Reviews and More.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ghost Buddy, for middle grades, is about Billy Broccoli, a middle schooler who has trouble fitting in. We’re introduced to Billy and his ghost buddy, Hoove in book one, Ghost Buddy: Zero to Hero. It’s a story everyone can relate to. What I love MOST about the series is that there is a great ethnic blend of children: one in a wheelchair, an Indian (South Asian) child, one of Hispanic heritage, etc. AND these kids do not act like stereotypical ethnic groups!! High five for Winkler and Oliver for getting it RIGHT!

Everyone can identify with a kid who doesn’t fit in but desperately wants to. Billy and Hoove have an adventure and they each learn a thing or two along the way about themselves and friendship. This series is great for teachers. Scholastic, who thinks of everything, even has a teachers guide.

[Brett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Billy Broccoli is still having to sort out life at his new school while simultaneously dealing with the sometimes endearing & sometimes annoying presence of his own personal ghost, "the Hoove." This time, Billy has to demonstrate a talent for the whole sixth grade, & the Hoove has an idea that will blow his classmates away: Billy pretends to be a mind reader, relying on information Hoover can collect from the unwitting audience. Is Billy willing to play a trick on everyone for the sake of making a lot of friends, including a couple of new, really cool kids? Can he make those friends without the help of seeming to have such a cool talent?
Although I still prefer Hank Zipzer, I'm enjoying reading about Billy's misadventures with his ghostly pal.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billy Broccoli is back, along with his roommate ghost Hoover Porterhouse. This time, Billy has to demonstrate a special skill for a class contest. He and Hoover dream up a way to read people's minds - and Billy is certain he is going to win.

At the last minute, Billy realizes that the skill he is demonstrating is really not a skill, but a trick and he doesn't feel right using the ghost to take care of his problems so he blows the contest and the correct people win.

This is a great book about friendship, honesty, and being yourself. Definitely recommended to readers in the age 8-12 year range, especially boys.

[StorySnoops · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mind if I Read Your Mind is the fun and wholesome follow up to Zero to Hero. Hoove helps Billy come up with an idea for his presentation, which goes so well it helps him make two new friends at his new school. Only problem? It's based on a ghost trick, which ultimately gives Billy pause. There are nice lessons about jealousy and forgiveness in friendship, sticking with a task and learning not to take shortcuts, and finally in the value of honesty--even when it might jeopardize a new friendship. Even though the main characters are middle schoolers, this book will appeal to...(see full review here: http://www.storysnoops.com/detail.php...)

[Brooke Blogs · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. I received this book (and #1 in the series) in order to review this book for a site to do a giveaway. The book was an easy read and really cute. Billy Broccoli discovers a ghost boy living in his house, and the books chronicle their friendship. The book does a nice job of showing true friendship, as well as being honest and true to yourself. I read the books with my 10 year old daughter, and she enjoyed them as well.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great children's book! I didn't read the first in this little series. I picked this up and didn't know what to expect. Henery Winkler does the audio reading, which I figured would not be possible at this age, but he did great! He was able to make me beleive I was listeneing to some tween aged kids and that was suprising. The story, though short is a good story with a great moral. I would reccomend this to anyone with kids and would read further in the series.

[Rodrigo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is one of my favorite books THIS year, I like the tips, Hoove's personality, My favorite part was when Billy made a fool of himself by reciting the alphabet backwards.I'm gonna read the next book in the series as soon as I am finished writing a few reviews A I hope the next book is as good as this one, but the only thing I don't like is the number of pages the book has..

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up because one of the author's is Henry Winkler. It was good and I guess part of a series. A boy, Billy has a ghost that follows him around trying "help" him. In this one, Billy gets talked into doing a project on mind reading where Hoover (the ghost) helps out, of course. I liked it and Winkler seems like a pretty good author, but it's not a series I will continue reading.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver. Laugh out loud funny. I would have given it 5 stars but I wasn't as compulsive about reading or finishing as I have been with other favorites. My kids are really enjoying the audio!

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although at first I was disappointed in the book and the direction it seemed to be taking, in the end I was thrilled with the decision Billy makes as he makes his attempt to win honors for his class in the school competition, aided by his ghost friend, The Hoove.

[Tamarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

JF Win
audio book is like listening to The Fonz
silly but appealing

[Jnase1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting moral decisions in this one. Might be a good one for a book club or class read aloud.

[judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

LOVED IT BUT CHILDISH

[Duce Escott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its a good book about a kid and a ghost that dont get along to good, but by the end they are getting better at working together.

[Joshua Jimenez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book mind if I read your mind buy j winkler. Is a Halloween type book has a lot of descriptive and funny sentences in this book. I can recommend this book to kids that like holiday book types.

[JC Hume]

better

[Reader Girl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light reading for the younger reader. Some fun parts, but basically falls out as you expect.

[Kai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great. The book is crazy too.

[Jeanne Lawrence]

fun book. My students will get a kick out of this funny book.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book. I like it because it has a ghost in it

[Lilimelissajods · Rating 3 out of 5]

Look, I've never been a reader. Didn't read the required texts in high school, barely read the uni texts and never voluntarily picked up a book (except comic books and by "books" I mean book, singular). So 2020 was my year of change. I decided to try and read at least 5 books, and started with this.

Not a bad first read, I enjoyed the interaction between Hoover and Billy and their plot to "scam" their peers. Not many too pages, large writing and short(ish) chapters, made tgis an easy read. Oh and also maybe the fact that its targeted for 8-10yr olds helped. I still don't enjoy reading tho sooo... wish me luck on hitting 5 books this year.

[Coffee Mistttyy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a different kind of story..not scary but was fun...I got my hands on the second book of the series...wish I could get the first so the plot would be a bit more clear when I get to know how they both met...Love the ending... billy's honesty and their beautiful friendship...Looking forward to reading others from the series...4th book of the series is waiting on my shelf...would obviously be reading that book before the 1st and 3rd...since I don't have those....Now to the negative of the book...I found the book quite slow...Afterall Reading experience varies from one reader to another...Happy Reading!!

[Sylvie Gold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver

I am totally loving this series, which sometimes makes me laugh out loud! I enjoy listening to these books in audiobook format, narrated by co-author, Henry Winkler.