Great Brain Is Back (The Great Brain Series #8) Book

Although bedazzled by pretty Polly Reagan, thirteen-year-old Tom Fitzgerald's great brain and money-loving ways haven't changed a bit.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8Fitzgerald wrote the first of his autobiographical yarns set in Mormon Utah in the 1890s in 1967. In 1975, what was thought to be the last of the series, The Great Brain Does It Again, was published. Readers of all ages will take delight in getting acquainted or reacquainted with these engaging characters in this eighth and last offering. Loose chapters found after the author's death have been nicely arranged by the editors into a novel in keeping with the style and tone of others in the series. In all this time, the narrator's older brother, Tom, has only reached the age of 13, and has fallen under the spell of pretty Polly Reagana situation that does not affect his great brain or his money-loving schemes and propensity to swindle his brothers and friends. From a slippery soap deal to outwitting a band of outlaws, Tom's antics are humorously told by J.D., whose view of his sibling is a wonderful mixture of admiration and exasperation. His narration provides an excellent example of the difficult-to-reach concept of voice in writing. A satisfying conclusion that's certain to be a hit with fans, as well as a great way to introduce a new generation of youngsters to an entertaining series.Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME