The Mysterious Matter of I. M. Fine

Starred review from July 30, 2001
Stanley reveals yet another dimension of her talents in her second novel (after A Time Apart), here serving up a witty story that manages to be both light and satisfying. Fifth-grade narrator Franny Sharp, having just entered yet another new school, cements her friendship with the independent Beamer as the two notice how many of the other kids in the cafeteria are playing, riotously and continuously, with Jelly Worm candies. Franny sees the connection between the sudden fad and writer I.M. Fine's latest Chillers book, The Worm Turns
(in it the Jelly Worms come to life and destroy Cleveland). The next Chillers release, about a microwave that causes excruciating headaches, coincides with the outbreak of a virus characterized by... headaches. As Franny and Beamer investigate, Stanley cheerfully sends up horror series fiction, unfolds a mystery involving orphan twins separated in childhood and repeatedly testifies to the pleasures of reading classics and
fluff. She creates depth with rich but offhand characterizations of family life (Franny's younger twins are named Zoë and J.D., a fact delivered without jokiness) and by introducing tough subject matter (the painful effects of McCarthyism play a significant role). Superior entertainment, this work should engage both ambitious readers and diehard fans of the genre it satirizes. Ages 9-up.

September 1, 2002
Fifth-grader Franny sees a connection between a sudden fad and writer I.M. Fine's latest Chillers book. "Superior entertainment, this work should engage both ambitious readers and diehard fans of the genre it satirizes," said PW in a starred review. Ages 8-12.

July 1, 2001
Gr. 4-6. Children at Park Place school are acting strangely. First, they develop an obsession with jelly worms; then they take to their beds with blinding headaches. By the time they are slithering on the ground like snakes, fifth-grader Franny has put it all together. The children of Baltimore (and beyond) are being subversively affected by the happenings in the Chiller series by I. M. Fine. Readers will enjoy following Fran and her friend Beamer as they track down Fine, a twisted woman who has some big, bad plans for her readers. Of course, on the way to their discovery, the children do many things they're not supposed to--talking to strangers, taking bus rides out of town--but there's no mistaking this for realistic fiction. Rather, it's a fast, fun read. Just don't look too deeply at the plot (is it possible Fran is the only person able to figure out what's going on?). There are plenty of coincidences here, but kids who have spent time with Goosebumps et al. will enjoy this sly takeoff of a phenomenon run amok.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2001, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2002
Franny and her friend Beamer notice strange epidemics--a candy worm craze, splitting headaches--among their classmates who read the wildly successful horror series by I. M. Fine. They track down the author and stop a dastardly plot. The solidly constructed mystery, well-rounded characters, and playful jab at wildly successful horror writers go down a treat.

(Copyright 2002 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

August 1, 2001
Gr 4-6-Stanley explores the power of the written word in this lively suspense story. Franny and her family have just relocated to Baltimore, the latest in a long series of moves. Almost immediately, the fifth grader notices that practically everyone in her new school is crazy about Jelly Worms candy, made popular by the latest title in the "Chillers" series of horror novels that is making the rounds. It's an innocent enough fad, but then events take an insidious turn. First, a virus seemingly strikes only those who have read the next book in the series. Then, Sinister Serpent Surprise is published and an epidemic of snakelike behavior sweeps through schools across America. Franny is convinced that, somehow, the books induced these symptoms and determines to track down the reclusive author. Using reference material at the local library and the Internet, she and her friend Beamer find Ida May Fine. They discover that, indeed, Ida is using her books to avenge her father's death many years ago, and that her next book will be the ultimate weapon. Stanley's writing captures the flavor of horror novels, and at the same time brings in themes ranging from the House Un-American Activities Committee to the popularity of horror series and the effect of frequent relocation on children. This book will be enjoyed by fans of R. L. Stine and also by those who love a good mystery.-Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA

Copyright 2001 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2001
Gr 4-7-Orphelia, 12, longs to go to the St. Louis World's Fair. When her idol, the marvelous Madame Meritta, brings her famous traveling minstrel show to the rural African-American community of Calico Creek, MO, looking for new talent, the girl sees her big chance. However, her mother seems set against her daughter's interest in music, allowing her only to play in church. After a minor mischievous incident, the child is not permitted to play in the talent show after all, and, indeed, may not be allowed to play the piano again. In despair, she runs away with the troupe, where she confronts the realities of life on the road, experiences the hard work behind the glamour, encounters racism, and learns about the financial uncertainties of show business. Orphelia also meets a mysterious man and discovers a secret about her family's past that may explain her mother's reticence to indulge her musical talent. While the mystery is fairly predictable, children will enjoy figuring it out with the determined, likable protagonist. Tate creates a strong sense of community, both in Orphelia's hometown and among the members of the minstrel troupe. Historical elements, such as the use of blackface in theater, are woven almost seamlessly into the narrative. The appendix offers additional insight into the history of minstrel shows, music, and African-American life in the early 1900s. A good read for any fan of historical fiction.-Robin L. Gibson, Perry County District Library, New Lexington, OH

Copyright 2001 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.