A couple of kids want to make their last big vacation before going to middle school a memorable one. They decide to form a club and do lots of interesting and stupid things together, like trying to summon ghosts or sneakily smoking their very first cigarette. And they also decide to pay a visit to their beloved teacher who’s retiring. But when they get there, they discover he has a secret.
This is a children’s book from my youth. Surprisingly, it features some hints of more adult topics. But from a child’s perspective and it never goes beyond that. Despite being named “teacher Pluim and the talking powder,” this story isn’t really about the talking powder. The powder definitely is part of the plot, but it actually feels like it’s barely used here. The concept is good, but there simply is potential for a lot more.
It’s an entertaining light read for children that has some solid characters and a childish kind of fun, with the kids experimenting with some things. It certainly has its charms. But I was hoping for a bit more in terms of plot.