Cartboy and the Time Capsule
Gr 5-7-Hal Rifkind just wants what most sixth-grade boys want: more time for video games and no history tests. Unfortunately, eccentric parents and a grueling teacher are out to get him. There's also the problem of lack of funds. Mr. Tupkin takes the cake when he assigns the class to each write a yearlong journal, which will be added to a time capsule. Hal's diary is filled with photos and time lines chronicling his efforts to get his own room and avoid his history homework. While Hal is amusing and likable, his sarcasm sometimes falls flat, and he occasionally comes across as whiny. Supporting characters are thinly drawn and one-dimensional. The time lines and photos are fun additions but not enough to carry this book.-Terry Ann Lawler, Burton Barr Library, Phoenix, AZα(c) Copyright 2013.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.