Freaks and Shrieks Book

Max made a deal with Nicky and Tara, the two ghosts who live in his bedroom: If he helps them figure out how they turned into ghosts, they’ll help Max prove to his dad that he isn’t a worthless wimp.
Well, Max is about to make good on his promise. There’s a witness who saw what happened to the kids. A witness who may know the secret to bringing them back to life. The problem is the witness is a chimpanzee! And Max is going to switch brains with him to learn the secret. Will Max find the secret– or will he go from a worthless wimp to a worthless chimp?

Julie Schneggenburger - Children's Literature

Nicky and Tara appear to be your typical siblings—except for one thing. They are ghosts and not entirely sure why. Their parents fought evil and are trying to figure out how to bring the family back to life. Max, a budding magician, is the only person who can see Nicky and Tara. The kids are great friends. Dr. Smollett shows up claiming to have valuable information to save the family. However, it can only be given to them if they can find a human willing to temporarily switch brain waves with a chimpanzee. Tara and Nicky persuade Max to undergo the painless but risky experiment. It all goes horribly wrong when Dr. Smollett tricks the kids and disappears with Max's brain. The chimpanzee brain changes Max's behavior. He now likes to swing from trees and eat bananas. Tara and Nicky must find a way to not only get their friend's brain back but help their parents, too. The theme of loyal friendship is nicely demonstrated in this creative plot. Point of view is a good aspect to highlight as it changes frequently through the chapters. Some topics worth exploring in coordination with this book are animal experimentation, trusting strangers, and positive friendship traits. 2005, Delacorte Press/Random House Children's Books, Ages 8 to 12.