(3) 4-6 Witherwood Reform School series. Illustrated by Keith Thompson. Charlotte and Tobias are separated after their failed escape from sinister, brainwashing Witherwood Reform School. Tobias recovers his mind and meets several other clear-minded students; rescuing Charlotte first, they plot a dangerous scheme to end Witherwood. As in the predecessor, each chapter opens with an unknown narrator's commentary. Lemony Snicket fans will love this stark world full of dark humor.

Reviewer: Jenn Matters

(4) 4-6 Creature from My Closet series. In the sixth installment, average-guy Rob's wacky-creature-spewing closet sends him a mixture of Ebenezer Scrooge and LEGO Batman; Batneezer helps Rob rediscover his love of books and save the school library. The plot is meandering and the subplots are weak, but the series' wacky humor and familiar Jeff Kinney–esque cartoons should keep readers going.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Keith Thompson. Tobias and Charlotte Eggers misbehave once again, and their father deserts them outside Witherwood Reform School. After weeks following the school's rules and trying not to lose their minds, the siblings rescue themselves. Each chapter starts with dark advice from an unknown narrator. While the pacing is choppy, fans of Lemony Snicket's humor will love this book. Shadowy black-and-white illustrations add atmosphere.

Reviewer: Jenn Matters

(4) 4-6 Creature from My Closet series. A botched chemical reaction causes strange creature combos to emerge from Rob's closet (Wonkenstein; Potterwookie; Pinocula)--now it's Katfish, a cross between a mermaid and Katniss from Hunger Games who helps Rob make new friends. Rob chronicles his many mishaps and, every now and then, a triumph, with boyish anecdotes featuring all-too-familiar Jeff Kinney–style comics.

Reviewer: Shara Hardeson

(4) 4-6 Creature from My Closet series. A botched chemical reaction causes strange creatures to emerge from Rob's closet: Wonkenstein featured half-Willy Wonka/half-Frankenstein; Potterwookie introduced a half-Chewbacca/half-Harry Potter creature. Now there's Pinocula (half-vampire/half-Pinocchio) whose trickster ways get Rob into a mess of trouble. Rob chronicles one mishap after another with boyish anecdotes featuring all-too-familiar Jeff Kinney–style comics.

Reviewer: Shara Hardeson

(4) 4-6 The final volume in this fantasy trilogy features more danger and magical adventures, including the hatching of the final dragon egg and the appearance of the dragon king and his guardians. Beck is an appealing protagonist, though other characters are flatly drawn. Fans of the previous books will expect drama, humor, and action, and there's plenty here for them to enjoy.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister

(4) 4-6 Creature from My Closet series. When a chemical reaction goes wrong, strange creatures begin to emerge from Rob's closet. First Wonkenstein (half Willy Wonka, half Frankenstein), then Potterwookiee (half Chewbacca, half Harry Potter), whose magical powers come in handy when Rob needs help at a reality TV show audition. Rob chronicles one mishap after another with amusing anecdotes featuring all-too-familiar Jeff Kinney–style comics.

Reviewer: Shara Hardeson

(3) 4-6 Creature from My Closet series. Robert Columbo Burnside is a self-proclaimed "pretty average kid...who can't play piano with my rear like that one genius kid, Todd, who lives down the street." He comically documents his daily mishaps, including the appearance of a half-Willy-Wonka, half-Frankenstein's-monster man who escapes from his closet. Rob's offbeat, stream-of-consciousness narration moves quickly; Wimpy Kid-esque cartoons and speech bubbles extend the jokes.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) 4-6 When Beck's mother dies, he's sent to live with his estranged (and strange) Uncle Aeron. Beck discovers he has the power to magically manipulate foliage, but unwittingly uses it to unleash a horde of dragons. While the plot and characters, including cold beauty Kate and overweight matron Millie, are uninspired, the high-energy adventure may satisfy fans of dragon fantasy.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher