Phineas L. Macguire... Blasts Off!

By Frances O'Roark Dowell

Book Overview

Houston, we have a problem Phineas L. MacGuire (a.k.a. Mac) has a lot to learn about outer space if he's going to be the best scientist in the fourth grade. To get the knowledge he needs, Mac is determined to go to space camp, but his mom says he has to earn the money himself. 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 how will he survive the walks? 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--in fact, the pup is a real-life "Lab"oratory.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1442422041
• ISBN13: 9781442422049
• Release Date: June 2011
• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 7.6"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Rutgers University Project on Economics and Children

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.