Popular Clone: The Clone Chronicles #1 (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
In this book, a super-genius, nerdy, and bullied kid named Fisher clones himself and sends his clone to school instead of himself, so he doesn't have to get picked on. Unexpectedly, though, his clone becomes the most popular guy in the school! And Fisher ends up in more trouble than he could have imagined...I think that this book has a good plot and plenty of twists, but it was kind of predictable. I found myself accidentally skipping paragraphs because I just wanted the author to "get on with it." The plot was great, but cloning is probably one of the most popular plots in the world, other than time machines. I also thought that what happened at his school is nothing like what would happen in real life, like when the teacher couldn't stand up to the bullies, even when they started going through his cabinets and threatening his class pets. And also when the parents knew about the bullies but didn't talk to the principal or anything about it - they just tried to encourage Fisher that it was all going to be OK. I don't think any of this would have happened in real life - it just sort of seemed ridiculous to me.What I DID think was cool about this book was that it took place in Palo Alto, and the main character was 12 and in 7th grade. I feel like I kind of related to him in a few ways. I also liked a few of the minor characters, like the talking appliances, flying pig, and pancake making robot (I want one!!!). Over all, I gave it three stars, because it still kept me interested enough to read it to the end. What's a genius inventor to do when the bullies at school make him their personal target? Send a clone to school in his place, obviously! The story of Popular Clone takes a common secret wish of many a geeky, bullied child and spins the tale to it's conclusion.Turns out it's not easy managing one's life when there are two selves to keep up with, especially when one's clone turns out to be as well-liked as one was disliked. Fisher Bas is a genius, but his school life isn't what one might call pleasant. Most days he spends hiding from the "Vikings" a group of typical school bullies.Both his parents are also inventors and brainiacs. Although they try to assure Fisher that eventually his peers will value him for his intellect, Fisher doesn't want to spend another second waiting. He's tired of being the victim...but rather than face his fears head on, Fisher has a better idea. Why not let his clone deal with school while he lounges at home getting on with his own ingenious inventions!?So, Fisher takes advantage of the AGH (accelerated growth hormone) his mother is developing to grow Fisher Two. Fisher Two, however, seems to have some strange ideas...after seeing a commercial he's convinced his mother is the Spot Right lady. Fisher has to convince his confused clone that in order to re-unite with the Spot Right lady he must face and defeat the foes at Middle School.Thus his clone's take over of Fisher's middle school begins. Soon Fisher finds himself creating more and more elaborate lies, sneaking around and confronting things he would have run screaming from before. Add a nefarious evil scientist to the mix and Fisher's life turns catastrophic.The story is fun and really has a sense of childhood hijinks and both what kids do to skip out on school and what they do while skipping. It was pretty nostalgic for me, I can't remember how many times I've wished for a clone to take my place while I munched on snacks and played video games at home!
What do You think about Popular Clone: The Clone Chronicles #1 (2012)?
Good book if you like a resourceful boy character, cloning, inventions. For grades 1st-3rd.
—june
I liked it and I want to read the second book as soon as I can!
—aisha
