The Great Escape (Society of Substitutes #1)

by Alan Katz (Author) Alex Lopez (Illustrator)

The Great Escape (Society of Substitutes #1)
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

If there's a problem in school, there's no substitute for the world-saving substitute teachers of the S.O.S.! This is the first book of this hilarious, highly illustrated early chapter book series.

When Milton Worthy learns his classroom's pet ferret is the evil mastermind behind a dastardly plot for world domination, it's more than just about any kid could handle. But then not every kid is the son of a member of the super-secret, super-awesome Society of Substitutes! Now it's up to Milton and his substitute teacher mom to save Beacher Elementary School before time runs out.

HarperChapters build confident readers one chapter at a time! With short, fast-paced books, art on every page, and milestone markers at the end of every chapter, they're the perfect next step for fans of I Can Read!

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Interspersed with scenes of frazzled students, leering pets, and action highlights on every page of well-leaded narrative, the caper races along to a final, thrilling surprise!

School Library Journal

Starred Review

Gr 1-3--This fun, energetic story focuses on second grader Milton Worthy's classroom and their class pet ferret, Noah, who has a way of escaping his cage. Through a series of events, Milton's mother ends up being the class substitute, and things get more adventurous from there. Students now get two recesses (before 9:30 am), and the pets take a couple of students on a wild tour around the school building to find a hidden room in the basement. There, they discover what has really been going on at Beacher Elementary School, and work together to save the teacher, the school, and the world. True to Katz's style, the plot is funny, surprising, and a little bit silly. Checkboxes and interactive prompts at the end of each chapter inform readers of their progress and encourage them to keep going. VERDICT Young readers will enjoy the antics in this chapter book, and teachers will enjoy reading it aloud. Highly recommended.--Sara Collins, Willa Cather Elem. Sch., IL

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

 
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780062909299
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
HarperCollins
Publication date
January 20, 2021
Series
Society of Substitutes
BISAC categories
JUV019000 - Juvenile Fiction | Humorous Stories
JUV008000 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | General
JUV001000 - Juvenile Fiction | Action & Adventure
JUV035000 - Juvenile Fiction | School & Education
JUV045000 - Juvenile Fiction | Readers | Chapter Books
Library of Congress categories
Schools
Humorous fiction
School children
Substitute teachers

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