Carlee Hallman (Children's Literature)
Phineas AKA Mac, boy scientist, is left without a partner when his best friend moves away just after they enter fourth grade. For the coming science fair, the teacher pairs him with the obnoxious new boy who calls himself "Mac R." Mac has decided on mold for the science project, but "Mac R" has a hidden talent and is into volcanoes and dinosaurs. As they work through their differences, friendship develops. The science of nose picking and other projects of interest to the age group are part of the tongue-in-cheek humor. Directions for performing the volcano experiment, "a microwave marshmallow roast," and "exploding film canisters" are given at the end. Large print and action-packed sentences will tempt the reluctant reader. Shaded line drawings add to the humor. Kids, especially boys, will love this book. 2006, Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Department, $15.95. Ages 7 to 10.

Elizabeth D. Schafer (Children's Literature)
Ingenious fourth grader Phineas Listerman MacGuire, known as Mac, identifies himself as a scientist and mold expert. He reads Scientific American; can prove he is allergic to many things, including girls; and is a seasoned model volcano builder. Missing his best friend Marcus, who moved soon after school began, Mac dislikes new classmate Mac Robbins, who boasts he is smarter than everyone at Woodbrook Elementary School. The children’s quirky teacher, Mrs. Tuttle, keeps a jar packed with rubber frogs on her desk to reward pupils. She insists that students pair up to prepare science fair projects. Mac reluctantly recognizes Aretha Timmons, a smart girl who usually is his rival, as the most likely classmate to achieve a prize-winning project with him, but Mrs. Tuttle partners her with someone else before pairing the two Macs together. While working on their project, the boys’ friendship develops realistically. Mac comes to respect Mac R’s artistic talent as he realizes truths that explain Mac R.’s unpleasant behavior. Mac and Aretha resourcefully apply scientific methods to solve a classroom mystery together. Pencil sketches effectively convey the novel’s humorous tone. Instructions for three experiments, which readers will be eager to try, supplement the text. Designated as the first experiment “From the Highly Scientific Notebooks of Phineas L. MacGuire” series, pair this book with Wendelin Van Draanen’s “Shredderman” books. 2006, Atheneum/Simon & Schuster, $15.95. Ages 8 to 12.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, May 1, 2006 (Vol. 74, No. 9))
Budding scientist and fourth-grader Mac has just lost his best friend to a move. Now at lunch he sits at "the table for people who don't have anyone else to sit with." He does, however, have an "un-best friend," Mac R., newly arrived from Seattle and pugnaciously determined to hate everything at Woodbrook Elementary. In the way of young middle-grade novels, Mac and Mac R. are thrown together for the big science-fair project, which itself proves a Petri dish for the cultivation of their unlikely friendship. Mac is a thoroughly likable kid, whose easy sense of self makes it that much harder to understand the spiky Mac R., but which also helps him to help his partner win over their classmates. Dowell adapts to this shorter and simpler mode of storytelling easily, painting her characters with deft strokes and providing them with enough emotional complexity to make them comfortably three-dimensional. Mac's chatty narrative includes several references to science projects, which are described and explained in an appendix. All in all, a smart, funny read-the first in a promising series. 2006, Atheneum, 176p, $15.95. Category: Fiction. Ages 8 to 12. Starred Review. © 2006 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Gregory A. Martin (Library Media Connection, October 2006)
Phineas, scientist extraordinaire, has just started fourth grade. When Phineas and the unlikable new boy are paired up for the science fair, Phineas sees nothing but trouble ahead. However, while preparing their project, Phineas is surprised to discover that Ben is an excellent artist, and more importantly, that he is lonely and sorry about the way he has acted. Phineas and Ben devise a plan to rehabilitate Ben through his artistic skills. Phineas is disappointed that he and Ben don't win first place in the science fair, but he understands that his new friendship and the way he has helped Ben are more important. This book is an excellent vehicle for teaching children the value and worth of each individual. The writing is enjoyable, humorous, and perfectly suited for the intended audience. In addition to telling a good story, the author manages to include a great deal of science in a way that contributes to, rather than detracts from, the story. There are instructions in the back of the book for some of the experiments. Phineas is an engaging new character, and young readers will look forward to additional books in the series. Recommended. 2006, Atheneum (Simon & Schuster), 167pp., $15.95 hc. Ages 8 to 12.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Fall 2006)
When science-minded Mac's best friend unexpectedly moves away, he is assigned another partner for the upcoming school science fair--the obnoxious new boy. Told in fourth-grader Mac's open, humorous, and self-effacing voice, the straightforward story is simple without being simplistic. The amusing tale and frequent illustrations are perfect for fans of Martin Bridge and the Julian stories. Category: Younger Fiction. 2006, Atheneum, 172pp, 15.95. Ages 5 to 9. Rating: 2: Superior, well above average.