Dr Maniac will see you now by R.L. Stine

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Goosebumps Most Wanted Series. Scholastic, 2013. ISBN 9780545418027.
So ghoulish, horrible and superficial that it's hard to take the story seriously. Readers of any of the Goosebumps series would be familiar with the style: fast moving, and frightening situations. But then the outlandish becomes humorous! Young boys' sense of horror is well satisfied here. Richard has a sneezing allergy and is given an injection by Dr Root. He loves comic books and spends a lot of time in the Comic Book Museum where he chooses to do a school project with Bree, who is has been chosen to partner Richard. She's neither keen to work with Richard but agrees when he says he'll do all the research and writing. This leads to many extreme situations in the Museum with Bree and his brother Ernie. Dr Maniac and many characters from the comics come to life but Richard, from his reading, remembers how they were overcome. Dr Root opens a door between two worlds and when questioned by Richard says, 'Because . . . I'm the Root of All Evil' p120. Hence the twisted humour!
The series has been around for a long time and still new titles appear. Perhaps children read these books and then move onto other quality books.
Sue Nosworthy

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