Top Secret

Features

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Cover Type: Paperback with 128 pages
• Published by: Little, Brown Young Readers October 1, 1995
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0316303631
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0316303637
• Book Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Weighs: 2.4 ounces

Card Catalog Description
Despite the disapproval of his parents and his formidable science teacher, nine-year-old Allen determines to do his science project on human photosynthesis. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Reader Reviews
This review is from: Top Secret (Hardcover) When Allen Brewster, a fourth grader, decides to discover human photosynthesis for his school science project, his irritable teacher, Miss Green, calls his idea ridiculous and assigns a lipstick project instead. His parents are kind but unsupportive, but Allen is undeterred, especially when his tender and wise grandfather encourages him to pursue his research. Allen discovers that the biggest difference between hemoglobin and chlorophyll is that the former contains iron while the latter contains magnesium, so he decides to ingest foods that contain high levels of magnesium. He mixes salt water from an aquarium with peanut butter, Coco-Puffs, raw liver, and Mexican refried beans, runs the mixture through a blender, and drinks it. (Kids, don't try this at home!) After tinkering with his formula, he discovers that his skin has turned green, his taste buds have disappeared, he doesn't need to eat, and he craves sunlight. But then Allen faces numerous new obstacles. No one but his grandfather believes that he has discovered human photosynthesis. He gets aphids and starts sprouting roots. His crabby teacher ejects him from class and tells him not to come back until he looks like a normal human being. And once the government confirms that Allen has succeeded in discovering human photosynthesis, his project is classified as top secret, because it is a threat to national security! Will Allen ever be permitted to return to school? What will he do about the science fair? Will his nasty teacher ever get her comeuppance? This fast paced, funny book is very amusing, engaging, and highly recommended for reluctant readers. Comment | | (Report this)