Phineas L. MacGuire . . . Blasts Off! [Hardcover]

Frances O'Roark Dowell (Author), Preston McDaniels (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Phineas L. Macguire...

Houston,we have a problem!

Phineas L. MacGuire (a.k.a. Mac) is less than up-to-date on planetary happenings. (Marsquakes? Who knew?) If he's going to be the best scientist in the fourth grade, Mac has to set his sights pretty high. To outer space, actually. But Space Camp is expensive. Where is he going to find enough money for a week on Mars (or a pretty close simulation thereof)?

Houston, we have another problem: a gigantic, slobbery dog named Lemon Drop. Mac can earn the money he needs by walking Mrs. McClosky's yellow Lab, but first he needs to survive the walks and the slobber! Good thing Mac is a scientific genius with friends like Ben and Aretha. Together the three of them discover that Lemon Drop is no ordinary dog -- that Lab is a real-life Lab-oratory.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 2-4-Phineas (Big Mac) MacGuire is interested in all things science-volcanoes, slime molds, bugs-but his current focus is space, and he wants more than anything to attend Space Camp. While his parents balk at the price, his mom agrees that he can go if he can win a scholarship, or earn the money himself. There aren't many well-paid jobs for fourth graders, but Mac signs up as a dog walker for Lemon Drop, the slobberiest Labrador retriever in existence. After observing the pup's "output," Mac and his friends Ben and Aretha decide to film a documentary on the properties of dog slobber, recording the quality and quantity produced by various breeds. Mac plans to make valuable scientific spit discoveries, Ben intends to become a famous film director, and, of course, they all hope to make big money selling the finished product. Mac's third adventure is a refreshingly upbeat story, with a strong emphasis on cooperation. Mac and his friends are a cohesive team, relying on each other's skills and talents to make their project a success. Adults, while mostly peripheral to the action, are also shown in a positive light. The dialogue is light and humorous, particularly Mac's first-person comments on dogs, parents, science, and life in general. There is a high "e-e-e-e-w-w-w!" factor to the detailed descriptions of the slobber project, which may make adults with weak stomachs cringe, but kids will find the whole thing delightfully disgusting.-Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL
Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

Review

"[P]roves that kids can be smart and funny." -- Publishers Weekly

"Mac [is] one of the most charmingly engaging new characters in the modern chapter-book scene." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Full of amusing faux-scientific observations as well as actual scientific facts, this lighthearted...book should appeal to any young reader who can stand a little mold." -- Booklist

"This is a funny, easy read that will entertain both average and reluctant readers. The characters are thoughtful, genuine kids who are creative in their problem solving and truly understand the meaning of friendship." -- School Library Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (June 17, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416926895
• ISBN-13: 978-1416926894
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #703,544 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Frances O'Roark Dowell is the bestselling and critically acclaimed author of Dovey Coe, which won the Edgar Award, Where I'd Like to Be, the bestselling The Secret Language of Girls, and its sequel The Kind of Friends We Used to Be, Chicken Boy, Shooting the Moon, which was awarded the Christopher Medal, and most recently Falling In. She lives with her husband and two sons in Durham, North Carolina.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mac Rules!, April 5, 2010

By 

J. Prather (IN USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Phineas L. MacGuire . . . Blasts Off! (Hardcover)

This series is perfect for any budding early elementary school scientist. The author does a great job of weaving humour into some science facts, all centered around a great character - the one and only Phineas MacGuire. This is a quick read and details Mac's efforts to raise money to go to space camp. In the past we've seen Mac get excited about volcanoes and mold, but now it's Space - Mars specifically- and the idea of going to space camp has now firmly implanted itself in his scientific mind. Along the way to earning the money needed he meets Lemon Drop the Labrador Retriever who inspires a documentary and a hilarious series of slobber experiments that are sure to appeal to any young boy and perhaps inspire some experiments of their own.

This is a great addition to the Phineas MacGuire series and a big recommend to any 2nd through 4th grader, especially those with an interest in science and a love of all things gross.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rutgers University Project on Economics and Children, January 20, 2010

By 

Yana V. Rodgers "econkids.rutgers.edu" (New Brunswick, NJ) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Phineas L. MacGuire . . . Blasts Off! (Hardcover)

Scientist extraordinaire Phineas "Mac" MacGuire knew that nothing could stand between him and his reputation as the best scientist in fourth grade. Nothing, that is, until he heard about a fabulous sleep-away camp connected with NASA that focused on Mars exploration and simulation. The camp cost $799, and even worse, Mac's mom insisted that he pay the full bill, plus the cost of a round-trip plane ticket. Coming up with that much money to attend Space Camp and develop his expertise in astronomy seemed as elusive a goal as actually flying to Mars.

Ever resourceful, Mac found some opportunities to work for pay, and he even went so far as to write an essay for a scholarship competition. Would it be enough to finance the trip?

With an endearing character like Phineas MacGuire at the helm and important lessons in economics about earning and saving money, this book has much to offer. Children starting to read full-length chapter books will undoubtedly appreciate the fast-moving plot, humor, and tips in conducting interesting scientific experiments.

5.0 out of 5 stars macgwir blasts off!, October 6, 2011

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Phineas L. MacGuire . . . Blasts Off! (From the Highly Scientific Notebooks of Phineas L. Macguire) (Paperback)

the book is so good!!! it is the best book i ever read!!! i like that mac gets spit from lemon drop!!!