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Eerie Elementary #4
The Science Fair is Freaky!
Pick a book. Grow a Reader!
This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!
Eerie Elementary is having a science fair. Sam, Antonio, and Lucy are hard at work on their projects when they find a strange, old book. Suddenly, the school comes alive! The ground shakes, science projects explode, and the school gym turns into a giant volcano! How will Sam and his friends fight hot lava? And what is hidden in that strange, old book?
This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!
Eerie Elementary is having a science fair. Sam, Antonio, and Lucy are hard at work on their projects when they find a strange, old book. Suddenly, the school comes alive! The ground shakes, science projects explode, and the school gym turns into a giant volcano! How will Sam and his friends fight hot lava? And what is hidden in that strange, old book?
96 pages, Paperback
Published June 28, 2016
192 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 19, 2019
I think it's safe to say that I love this series. I hope to get a hold of the next ones sometime soon since my library doesn't have them. If you're looking for fun and quick reads, these are for you.
September 18, 2018
These books are inventive and exciting, and Eerie Elementary is a great series for elementary school readers. It reminds of the this generation's Bailey School Kids.
This one had a mysterious book, an exploding volcano, and (as always) awesomely limited adult supervision.
I suggest reading the books in order as they build on each other. I look forward to reading the next ones in the future.
This one had a mysterious book, an exploding volcano, and (as always) awesomely limited adult supervision.
I suggest reading the books in order as they build on each other. I look forward to reading the next ones in the future.
October 31, 2025
“I rate this book seventy-hundred.” -JJ
August 20, 2017
I enjoyed this book because..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................I love Eerie Elementary books!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I also enjoyed this book because.......................................................................................................................................................I liked the part when Sam, Antonio, and Lucy defeated a volcano in Eerie Elementary.
June 24, 2022
I am such a huge fan of this series! I am a sucker for a gothic novel containing a creepy house/school/building/park. So excited to help my youngest develop her own preferences!
September 28, 2024
Science fairs are freaky, especially when the school is trying to devour all the students. As usual it's up to our trio to stave off ultimate disaster. But will they be in time?
Spoiler alert - yeah, probably, there's more books in the series.
What I loved about this one is we find out a lot more about the founder of the school. This guy had problems - and now so does everyone who goes there. Great series so far!
Spoiler alert - yeah, probably, there's more books in the series.
What I loved about this one is we find out a lot more about the founder of the school. This guy had problems - and now so does everyone who goes there. Great series so far!
January 4, 2021
I'm just going out with this and I'll give up my head that I'm still on this game too long as you need more time.
The first thing that is awesome. The only way I could be with a lot is awesome!!..!. Edit on my list? Edit and I don't seen in this video with an explanation for a second question in my comment or a few times in this case so you are awesome and your comment. You know how you can be. Edit on your post?! I am missing something to say about this video and it will make it a second to see what happens if they have to be able and your best bet.
The first thing that is awesome. The only way I could be with a lot is awesome!!..!. Edit on my list? Edit and I don't seen in this video with an explanation for a second question in my comment or a few times in this case so you are awesome and your comment. You know how you can be. Edit on your post?! I am missing something to say about this video and it will make it a second to see what happens if they have to be able and your best bet.
May 17, 2017
Originally reviewed for YA Books Central: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfic...
A quality, adventurous pick—ideal for reluctant young readers.
This story abounds with mystery and action, along with the positive themes of research, responsibility, and teamwork. While this is actually #4 in the Eerie Elementary series, the book can adequately stand alone. Although, one continually gets the impression that Sam, Lucy, and Antonio have a long history of dealing with their “living” school and its supernaturally-inclined shenanigans.
The Science Fair Is Freaky is comprised of 90 full pages of larger font, interspersed with black and white illustrations on every page. The illustrations are clear and detailed (in a style that reminds this reader vaguely of the late-90’s kid’s cartoon: Recess) , ranging in size from 1/6th of a page to a little more than half a page. The result is a sort of hybrid graphic novel feel that both speeds and eases the reading process.
The prose is unobtrusive and the dialogue feels natural. Toward the end it felt a little more drawn out than needed, and I would have liked to see a little more characterization between the three main characters. But the plot-driven approach does keep the pacing and intrigue at consistently high levels.
I read this in two sittings with my 2nd grader, and he voluntarily re-read it by himself a few weeks later. (Which says a lot about its appeal.)
A quality, adventurous pick—ideal for reluctant young readers.
This story abounds with mystery and action, along with the positive themes of research, responsibility, and teamwork. While this is actually #4 in the Eerie Elementary series, the book can adequately stand alone. Although, one continually gets the impression that Sam, Lucy, and Antonio have a long history of dealing with their “living” school and its supernaturally-inclined shenanigans.
The Science Fair Is Freaky is comprised of 90 full pages of larger font, interspersed with black and white illustrations on every page. The illustrations are clear and detailed (in a style that reminds this reader vaguely of the late-90’s kid’s cartoon: Recess) , ranging in size from 1/6th of a page to a little more than half a page. The result is a sort of hybrid graphic novel feel that both speeds and eases the reading process.
The prose is unobtrusive and the dialogue feels natural. Toward the end it felt a little more drawn out than needed, and I would have liked to see a little more characterization between the three main characters. But the plot-driven approach does keep the pacing and intrigue at consistently high levels.
I read this in two sittings with my 2nd grader, and he voluntarily re-read it by himself a few weeks later. (Which says a lot about its appeal.)
May 20, 2018
This book was the first of this series (#4) our kindergartener (well, a kindergartener for four more days) grabbed from the library this week; we finished reading it together tonight. Eyes wide and excited he told me “mom, I want to be able to read these books by myself by the end of summer!” He’s in love. We’re still on early readers for solo reading but seeing him inspired was seriously the best feeling. Reading is major part of my life and books have shaped me my entire life. I love seeing that fire in him 😍
July 10, 2022
This is a very cute series for young chapter book readers that like to be a bit scared. In this series book one, readers learn why the school is called Orson Eerie Elementary and that he became a mad scientist and haunts the school. Sam has been made Hall Monitor and has a special belt as he has beaten the scientist in past titles in the series. In this one, their teacher is planning and explaining to the students about a science fair. When Sam, Lucy, and Antonio discover that the custodian is not happy about it, they become intrigued. They learn that there had not been a science fair in years and decide there must be a reason for that. When they discover there were dangerous situations when there was a science fair, they seek out to find out how Orson Eerie is connected to science fairs. In the library, they find an old book in a broken vent and it begins to move on its own. The kids decide to choose experiments from this book. They figure out the book belonged to Orson Eerie and they know he wants the book back! After removing the book from the school all seems better. Well, until the night of the science fair when everything is out of control and only Sam, Lucy, and Antonio can stop the danger!
My elementary school students love this series from the Scholastic Branches collection. I love the short chapters and the extra white space as well as the illustrations by Sam Ricks that are engaging and helpful for new chapter book readers building reading stamina and comprehension strength. As always, there are some questions at the end that may help students and/or their parents as they read and discuss the story together.
My elementary school students love this series from the Scholastic Branches collection. I love the short chapters and the extra white space as well as the illustrations by Sam Ricks that are engaging and helpful for new chapter book readers building reading stamina and comprehension strength. As always, there are some questions at the end that may help students and/or their parents as they read and discuss the story together.
September 2, 2024
This fourth installment of the Eerie Elementary series--The Science Fair is Freaky--opens with Sam failing miserably to build a volcano in science class. Moments later, his elementary school teacher announces there is going to be a science fair, and Sam gets that sinking feeling in his stomach that always announces when something in the school is going to go very wrong.
Their teacher directs Sam and his friends, Antonio and Lucy, to the library to get started. They discover a hidden book all about dazzling science experiments, but almost immediately, the book tries to escape on its own. The mad scientist that built the school--Orsen Eerie--who is also the mastermind behind the school's sentience must be working his magic to keep the book out of their hands!
And then there is the issue of the science fair itself. The last time the school had a science fair, the school started destroying things for no apparent reason. . . How dangerous will another science fair be? And is that book part of it? Considering the science fair is going forward whether they like it or not, the three friends choose experiments from the book itself.
Sure enough, the science fair doesn't go as their teacher planned. Sam gets the hang of making a volcano, but can he STOP a volcano?
As always, I really enjoyed this installment of the Eerie Elementary series. I love how it incorporates elements from our collective childhood--such as the game of The Floor is Lava--to create an imaginative story within the midst of an otherwise mundane elementary experience.
Their teacher directs Sam and his friends, Antonio and Lucy, to the library to get started. They discover a hidden book all about dazzling science experiments, but almost immediately, the book tries to escape on its own. The mad scientist that built the school--Orsen Eerie--who is also the mastermind behind the school's sentience must be working his magic to keep the book out of their hands!
And then there is the issue of the science fair itself. The last time the school had a science fair, the school started destroying things for no apparent reason. . . How dangerous will another science fair be? And is that book part of it? Considering the science fair is going forward whether they like it or not, the three friends choose experiments from the book itself.
Sure enough, the science fair doesn't go as their teacher planned. Sam gets the hang of making a volcano, but can he STOP a volcano?
As always, I really enjoyed this installment of the Eerie Elementary series. I love how it incorporates elements from our collective childhood--such as the game of The Floor is Lava--to create an imaginative story within the midst of an otherwise mundane elementary experience.
March 18, 2020
Ok. Yes. I know this is a kids book and that it is fantasy. However, this one did not have the plot that moves the mystery forward nearly as well as the first 3 books. The first 3 had big revelations that help you understand what Sam and friends are up against. This book was much more of a filler book with a climax that didn’t seem in line with the other books and my understanding of how the school works. There is one revelation in the book that I think will matter moving forward, but the rest of the book was kinda filler.
April 21, 2022
Read this with my 1st grader… we’ve been enjoying the series so far. Upon completing it at bedtime, I asked if we should order the next one from our library. He declared, “My teacher has the next book (#5) in my classroom! I want to read it by myself at school!” Any book that ignites that response from him gets five stars from me. The series is a great combo of mild spookiness, excitement, engaging plot, mystery, short chapters, and illustrations. Perfect for newly independent or emerging chapter book readers! We’ve enjoyed the first four equally.
July 10, 2017
"In addition to the decent story and writing, there's something about a school being evil and some children (one being a hall monitor) protecting others from it that is kind of deep. Profound or meaningful or something."
Excerpt from Original Content.
Excerpt from Original Content.
February 19, 2018
I've enjoyed all the Eerie Elem books leading up to this one but this one has a different feel to it and ends with on a note that gives the reader a sense that Sam, Antonio and Lucy aren't going to react to the haunted school anymore. They're going to respond to it and, maybe, even beat it at its own game. Good stuff.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2024
1.5 stars. I know this is part of a series but I believe every book should be able to stand on its own with a story. This one did not and it felt unsatisfying. No answers provided after all that reading. The action was hardly compelling.
A shame because the premise is interesting but the prose is too bland and the action too contrived.
A shame because the premise is interesting but the prose is too bland and the action too contrived.
September 24, 2024
This was a fun read! And I was surprised to learn who the real author was at the end. My kids love his other books. This one is part of a series about a school that is alive thanks to its founder, Orson Eerie, who's spirit has taken over the school. And he doesn't want the science fair to be a success!
November 2, 2017
And the story continues! Sam, Antonio and Lucy have their hands full with Eerie Elementary. At least now they may have found a way to stop the evil school forever.
I think the science fair concept captures all the tiny stress kids this age feel. Very 😎
I think the science fair concept captures all the tiny stress kids this age feel. Very 😎
November 13, 2017
I was a little disappointed with this one. My kids seemed bored and distracted while we read this together. Nothing exciting really happened and the scene at the end felt too much like book one. I'm not sure if we will be continuing this series.
December 7, 2020
Being a science teacher I found it unbelievable that his volcano was not working. Wasn't sure what was going on and it never really got explained, so I found that pretty flawed. Otherwise, I am loving reading this series to my 1st grader, he is so interested. Can't wait to read the next one!
January 27, 2021
Hi can someone give me a summary of this book? Please I really need it is for a science project due on February 12 and I don’t know what to do please someone could be so kind to give me a full summary of this book please I really need it thanks :)
July 26, 2017
I liked this book because I liked the part when the kids found out more secrets about Orson Eerie. I kind of liked this book because it was a little too scary.
March 30, 2019
Very interesting plot.
April 24, 2020
It was really really good. It is about three friends that have a science fair project and it comes to life!
December 28, 2020
Another fine installation. My child still enjoys the series, they are fun, the illustrations are good.
January 12, 2021
Another good one. My kids are loving this series.
April 24, 2021
I was surprised that at the science fair, Sam's experiment worked.
September 6, 2021
It was so good
September 14, 2021
Really nice and adventurous book. It has heaps of pictures, marvelous adventures, and fabulous settings. It's a great story!!
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August 1, 2022Lexile®: 600L, 6002W, 100%, 6y5m
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews