Name: The Experiment of Professor Polgas
ISBN: 9781539374169

Sarah Brownlee

If you were an animal, what would you be? This is the question Blaise, Ash and Dinah unexpectedly stumble upon during the summer holidays when they enter a strange internet caf� and a mysterious woman asks them to take an online test to discover their inner beast. They are happy to oblige. Online tests are always fun and this one comes with its own special perks.But what they don't realise is that not far away, in the heart of London, a mad professor is watching them. Professor Polgas is preparing something; something that will change them forever; something that will have them on the run for their very lives

The Experiment of Professor Polgas

Sheila Goicea

I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!

Blaise, Ash, and Dinah are typical young teens. Mainly focused on school, crushing on fellow classmates, and staying out of the way of some troublesome classmates that like to pick fights, the trio doesn't expect to be a part of a breakthrough scientific experiment.

When the three were hanging out in an internet cafe, they were invited to take an online survey that would tell them which animal they are most alike. Thinking nothing of it, they participated, only to find out later that they would be invited to take part in an experiment headed by the famous Professor Polgas--a man known for his outlandish scientific discoveries. 

The experiment takes place, but not without a major hiccup--Professor Polgas is murdered and everyone who is at the event is now being hunted down by the government. Blaise, Ash, and Dinah set out on a quest to help solve the mystery behind the Professor's demise, as well as learn more about their new abilities.

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I wasn't sure what to expect coming into this read. It was undeniable that a book about an elixir that turns people into their "spirit animal" is attention grabbing. 

The introduction of this book is solid. Character development is strong, as well as how the stage is set up for the issue to be introduced into the plot. There isn't much world building to speak of, but it isn't really necessary as the story takes place in a current era, and is relatable for most readers. 


  Things that I liked:


#1 The obvious diversity between the main characters requires notation. I haven't read many middle-grade novels but am only familiar with a few that feature non-Caucasian main characters. I appreciated the diversity represented here.

#2 As stated above, the idea of a scientific experiment to successfully transform a person into an animal was engaging and drew my attention in. I liked that an old sort of legend of the spirit animal was made tangible.

#3 I think the way the author introduced racism into the plot is an important talking point for young readers. While not all of this aspect I liked (to be discussed below), I think its vital to point out to readers that racism and prejudice can happen, and does happen at all ages. It's important to make kids aware of these issues and to learn how to confront them when they do happen.


  Things that I didn't like


#1 Seeing how this is classified as a middle-grade novel, I felt it was a rather long read for the audience. Perhaps I'm mistaken here, but I don't know if I would have stuck it out to get to the end of this near-400 pager when I was thirteen. Some of the humdrumness in the body could have been shortened a bit, as it became overly explanatory at times.

#2 There seems to be a lot of emphasis on how crazy Professor Polgas was throughout the book...but I never actually thought him to be? Sure, he did succeed at a "crazy" scientific discovery. Sure, he was eccentric. When I thought of crazy, I was thinking he was bad. Perhaps this was a case of the blind leading the blind (myself in both positions) but I found his character somewhat misleading.

#3 As mentioned in my third point from the things that I liked about this novel, something I disliked was the way the kids handled their racial quarrels. Rather than being the bigger person, they continuously got into fistfights. I don't like the message being portrayed here for young readers. Racism does exist in this book. However, it does not need to be addressed with violence. That will only perpetuate and divide rather than help anyone grow. I felt like I was waiting for the characters to come around, and learn from their past mistakes by reacting rather than thinking, but that opportunity didn't present itself. In the end, the offending characters "got what was coming to them," which I didn't appreciate. It could have been a better teaching point, in my opinion. 

Overall, I thought this story was a good. I had some issues with it but enjoyed it at the same time. I wasn't expecting the way the book ended up and was surprised with its thoughtfulness and complexity. The overall idea was fun and engaging. What kid doesn't want to have the ability to turn into an animal!? I sure did growing up.

Vulgarity: Racial terminology is used towards specific characters.
Sexual content: Kissing only.
Violence: Minimal - there are some fight scenes. 

3 stars.

Thanks to Sarah Brownlee for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Experiment of Professor Polgas

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