It took me a while to get into Cloneward Bound for some reason, but once I did, I could see the appeal that my 9-year-old son had found in it. He really likes reading books in the right order, so the publisher also sent a copy of the first book Popular Clone: The Clone Chronicles, which he read, but I did not, testing the claim that the second could be read without the backdrop of the first. I do think that’s true, but if the story interests you, why not start at the beginning and read both of them?
As Kyle read that first one, he would share funny things with me, like Fisher’s pet, named FP. He’s a Flying Pig, some sort of mistake or something from his scientist mother’s experiments. There are other mistakes that populate Fisher’s home, such as a talking toaster. Kyle thinks these types of humorous details make a book a lot of fun to read, and I love it when he shares things that amuse him from the books he’s reading.
Apparently, Fisher is bullied, so he takes something from his mom’s lab and ends up creating a clone to ease some of his school worries.
In the book I read, M.E. Castle’s most recent Cloneward Bound, Two (good name for a clone, right?) has taken off to L.A. to find his mother, taking Fisher at his word about where he came from (which is really all a cover-up). When Fisher’s class is invited to L.A. to see a taping of Dr. Devilish’s science show, it’s the perfect opportunity for him to try to find him. And he must find him, before someone finds out his secret — especially the people who seem to be following him!
His classmate Amanda finds out the truth about Fisher Two (who she got along with a lot better than the real Fisher), and turns from foe to friend to help him in his search.
This book had a little mystery and intrigue, and a little intensity towards the end, but I thought all the elements worked together well for a great children’s chapter book. The covers are appealing, and I don’t recall any inappropriate subjects. Even better than my opinion, my son gives both Popular Clone and Cloneward Bound his hearty endorsement, which isn’t always easy to come by! The third book comes out early in 2014, and I know he’ll want to read that one as well.