The Magnificent Mummy Maker - Softcover

The bestselling author of GEORGE WASHINGTON'S SOCKS and THE RAVENMASTER'S SECRET, Woodruff has written more than twenty books for children, including picture books, historical fiction, and lighthearted fantasy. Her numerous school visits each year are popular with kids and teachers. The sequel to GEORGE WASHINGTON'S SOCKS, GEORGE WASHINGTON'S SPY, will be published in November 2010. She lives with her family in Martin's Creek, Pennsylvania.

Grade 4-7-Woodruff's obvious enjoyment of mixing historical information with a modern adventure, seen in George Washington's Socks (Scholastic, 1993) and Dear Napoleon, I Know You're Dead, But (Holiday, 1992), is again evident in this work. Andy Manetti's life is filled with angst. He is constantly overshadowed at school and home by his stepbrother, also 10, who he has nicknamed "Mr. Gifted." Andy feels average and almost unloved until his fifth-grade class takes a field trip to the museum. As he stares into the mystical face of an Egyptian mummy, an odd feeling overtakes him, and he soon finds that he has been imbued with magical powers. He is suddenly a gifted artist, is given five wishes, and is ultimately able to reconcile himself to his mother's death and to his stepbrother's existence. The book has a strong narrative voice, believable and likable characters, and an involving plot. The factual information is interesting, and Andy's fantastical adventure is fun and well paced.
Elizabeth Hanson, Chicago Public Library
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