Professor Gargoyle: Tales from Lovecraft Middle School #1, written by Charles Gilman, is the first volume in a new series of novels for young people, ages ten and up. I am a lot older than ten, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The black-and-white illustrations throughout the book help bring the characters to life right in front of your eyes.
The lenticular cover of the book is really neat. The illustration on it changes depending on the angle from which it is viewed.
The Lovecraft Middle School in Dunwich, Massachusetts, is brand new. It is a school that everyone should want to attend. Everything there is the latest in technology. The lockers are equipped with digital touch pads instead of the old-fashioned combination locks. The school also has digital chalkboards, digital billboards, and a swimming pool. Its huge library somehow connects to one that is ancient, but not everyone knows about this. It tends to appear and disappear.
Robert Arthur's neighborhood has been redistricted, and even though all of his friends are still going to Franklin Middle School, Arthur has to go to Lovecraft. Much to his chagrin, he discovers that the one person he knows at Lovecraft is the same bully who has tormented him for years. He is desperate for a friend, but scares away the first girl who tries to friend him. He gets another chance to make her his friend, though, and discovers there is something a bit strange about her.
There are many other strange things happening at this new school. Rats are leaping from the lockers. Robert even 'friends' a rat, a two-headed one. Giant tentacles emerge from a locker and try to drag a kid away. And there are kids who disappear, but later return with strange messages. The science teacher, well, there is definitely something different about him. His jaw unhinges so he can eat hamsters. What sort of a creature is he?
Robert and the boy who once bullied him are determined to find out what is going on. They discover that these strange occurrences may have something to do with Crawford Tillinghast, a scientist who supposedly died in a fire 30 years ago. The journey they embark on to discover what is going on is a bit more dangerous than they anticipated, and puts them against forces they don't know if they can defeat.
What secrets are hiding in this ultra-modern school? Are the secrets as new as the school? Or are they ancient secrets trying to fight their way out through this school?
Whether you are young or old, if you enjoy spooky tales, you will be sure to enjoy Professor Gargoyle. You can check out the book trailer for this book at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBLq-nWUjyo&feature=youtu.be .
This book was sent to me free of charge by Quirk Books in exchange for an honest review. If you would like your own copy of this book to enjoy, I have provided an Amazon link below.
