Reger, Rob and Gruner, Jessica. Emily the Strange: Stranger and Stranger. Rob Reger and Buzz Parker. HarperTeen, 2010. ISBN 9780061452321. $16.99. 266 p.
Reviewer: Ruth-Anne Brown
Reading Level: Intermediate, Young adult Rating: Excellent Genre: Fiction; Fantasy fiction Subject: Goth culture (Subculture)--Fiction; Individuality--Fiction; Books--Reviews;
Emily moves to a new town sulking because she is unable to think up a legendary prank for her old place of residence. After re-setting up her laboratory, Emily accidentally steps onto her newest invention and creates a duplicate of herself. Life seems wonderful to Emily with two of her, that is until this OtherMe attempts to destroy her. Evil OtherMe crafts a dark film that turns all those who watch it into submissive zombies. After OtherMe frames Pattie, Emily's mother, for this heinous crime, Emily must reverse the effects and prove Pattie innocent. Catching OtherMe proves to be almost impossible because when she was created, she sucked out some of Emily's traits. Hence, Emily seeks training from her ex-spy next door neighbor. Once OtherMe has been booby trapped in an enormous birdcage, Emily broadcasts her antidote movie to the townspeople, and the normalized citizens are released from the asylums. With the help of her spirit Great-Aunt Millie, Emily is reunited with her other half and peace is restored.
Reger and Gruner create a hilarious series of events filled with suspense. The quirky plot consistently leaves readers wondering what will happen next. Black and red illustrations add humor to Emily's dark side. Stranger and Stranger is a highly entertaining book for readers of all ages.
Volume 30, no. 6 (July/August 2010)
