The Magnificent Mummy Maker [Library Binding]

Elvira Woodruff (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1994 | Age Level: 9 and up

The mummy that Andrew creates for his fifth grade project seems to have special powers and helps him to understand his feelings about himself, his dead mother, and his stepbrother, whom he calls Mr. Gifted.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-7-Woodruff's obvious enjoyment of mixing historical information with a modern adventure, seen in George Washington's Socks (Scholastic, 1993) and Dear Napoleon, I Know You're Dead, But (Holiday, 1992), is again evident in this work. Andy Manetti's life is filled with angst. He is constantly overshadowed at school and home by his stepbrother, also 10, who he has nicknamed "Mr. Gifted." Andy feels average and almost unloved until his fifth-grade class takes a field trip to the museum. As he stares into the mystical face of an Egyptian mummy, an odd feeling overtakes him, and he soon finds that he has been imbued with magical powers. He is suddenly a gifted artist, is given five wishes, and is ultimately able to reconcile himself to his mother's death and to his stepbrother's existence. The book has a strong narrative voice, believable and likable characters, and an involving plot. The factual information is interesting, and Andy's fantastical adventure is fun and well paced.
Elizabeth Hanson, Chicago Public Library
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-6. Tired of being compared to his brilliant, 10-year-old stepbrother, Jason, Andy Manotti, also 10, resigns himself to mediocrity, but the plot thickens. When the fifth-grade classes visit the local museum, he feels a strong and powerful link to an Egyptian mummy display. Back at school, Andy draws an exquisite picture of a mummy case and soon finds that it has the power to grant him wishes. The magic may be imagined (Woodruff lets readers decide), but Andy's final dilemma is real enough. Should he use his last wish to ship his stepbrother off to Mars or to bring his mother back to life? While readers may find the stepbrothers' inevitable reconciliation less convincing than their original relationship of mutual dislike, the story will hold their interest, and the book jacket, with its spooky depiction of Jason mesmerized by some magical force from the mummy, will attract many kids to the book. Carolyn Phelan

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Library Binding: 132 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Trade (April 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 059045742X
• ISBN-13: 978-0590457422
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,512,814 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Elvira Woodruff is the author of over twenty picture books and novels for young readers including George Washington's Socks. Most recent books include Fearless and Small Beauties: The Journey of Darcy Heart O'Hara.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, November 3, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Magnificent Mummy Maker (Paperback)

Andy Manetti has an average life. His brother, Jason, is perfect. Andy is only average. One day he goes on a field trip to a museum. He sees a mummy, feels weird and then somehow gets strange powers. I liked this book because it had many plot twists and a great plot at that! Read this book. You'll love it!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a magnificent read, April 25, 2004

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Magnificent Mummy Maker (Paperback)

I think this book was as magnificent as the title. I liked the way the story had real life problems and a far out mummy who made strange things happen. I also liked how Andy and his step-brother Jason didn't get along but made up in the end. That is just like me and my step sister.We fight and make up all the time. THis book made me laugh and want to keep turning the pages. I wish the author would write another one about Andy, and Jason and the mummy. Chester NJ

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for adults and kids, together, January 1, 2009

By 

RSB (Sunny Florida) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Magnificent Mummy Maker (Paperback)

Kids will love this book since the fascination of mummies strikes at an early age. Parents will love reading this with their children since it's well written, moves quickly, and presents interesting facts. I highly recommend this for anyone over the age of 9. Elvira Woodruff is a highly prized author and could become a favorite in your household!