The mysterious Mr. Socrates found Modo in the back of a gypsy cart. When he saw Modo’s deformity he turned to leave, but the year old child called out to him. When Mr. Socrates turned to look at the child, Modo had transformed himself. Not only did his facial features change but his back straightened for only a moment. Mr. Socrates took him home, where he trained him to be a secret agent. Socrates helps Modo develop his shapeshifting abilities and then at the tender age of 14 he takes Modo to London and leaves him there to fend for himself. That’s where Modo meets Octavia Milkweed. Octavia comes to Modo for help. She wants him to find out what the Clockwork Guild is up to and why are children are disappearing off the streets of London. Could it have anything to do with the mad scientist Dr. Hyde?
Review by Cindy Moyle, Granite School District Library Media Department
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Interest Level: Grades 6-10
The Hunchback Assignments
Written by Arthur Slade
Wendy Lamb Books / Random House
288 p.
ISBN: 9780385737845
Release Date: September 22, 2009
http://www.hunchbackassignments.com
I just listened to this book on CD. It’s a very good period mystery. Kids Jr. High and up would enjoy it.
When I saw “Steampunk fiction”, I thought “What in the world is that?” This book sounds interesting…especially if it’s for upper elementary school. We have many students looking for something new to read.