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Slug Pie Story #3
How to Destroy the New Girl's Killer Robot Army
When Savannah "Van Demon" Diamond comes to town she ruins everything for Mick. She takes over his favorite hang out, outruns him in gym class, and worst of the worst—his little brother has a crush on her. Devising a plan to get her kicked out of school and moved out of Beachwood is simple. Dealing with Savannah’s mind-blowing revenge is Mick’s most challenging adventure yet.
Join Mick as he thwarts insidious traps and deadly weaponry, fighting against the most cunning of enemies. Catastrophe looms for all of Beachwood unless Mick can put aside his pride, join forces with his rival, and destroy the new girl’s killer robot army.
Join Mick as he thwarts insidious traps and deadly weaponry, fighting against the most cunning of enemies. Catastrophe looms for all of Beachwood unless Mick can put aside his pride, join forces with his rival, and destroy the new girl’s killer robot army.
- GenresMiddle GradeRobots
168 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2014
3 people are currently reading
684 people want to read
About the author
Mick Bogerman
4 books34 followersMickey "Mick" Bogerman has lived in Beachwood, North Carolina all his life. Mostly he tries to stay out of trouble, but mostly trouble seems to find him anyway. He has a knack for antagonizing scary creatures and girls, not necessarily in that order.
Mick's favorite subjects in school are science (slime, rockets, bugs, and rocks-- what's not to like?), gym class (running, climbing, throwing-- more stuff to like), and reading (yay Mr. Corcoran lets him read whatever he likes-- like comic books).
Speaking of comic books, Mick's favorites are X-Men, Demon Knights, Spiderman and Batman.
Mick's favorite subjects in school are science (slime, rockets, bugs, and rocks-- what's not to like?), gym class (running, climbing, throwing-- more stuff to like), and reading (yay Mr. Corcoran lets him read whatever he likes-- like comic books).
Speaking of comic books, Mick's favorites are X-Men, Demon Knights, Spiderman and Batman.
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August 13, 2016How to Destroy the New Girl’s Killer Robot Army is Mick Bogerman’s deceptively slim third volume (151 pages) in the Slug Pie Story series. If upon reading the title you think it sounds fun, you’d be on target; after all, this is the same author who gave us How to Navigate Zombie Cave and Defeat Pirate Pete and How to Rid Your Swimming Pool of a Bloodthirsty Mermaid. While I haven’t read the first two, I find the titles delightful, and can assure you the third is fully capable as a stand-alone. There is plenty of action packed into it, and some danger into the bargain. As Bogerman himself writes in his note to parents:
“So, if you’re looking for a wimpy, child-type book, turn away now. But if your kid is not a wimp, likes a heart-pounding scare and chasing down evil killer robots, then this, dear parents, is the story for your kid.”
Reading like a how-to or instruction manual, complete with chapter headings such as “Tell the New Girl to Go Away” (it’s always wise to start with the easiest option) and “Find the Lair,” this is the story of Mick and his efforts to extract Savannah Diamond, the new and very not quiet girl at school, from his life. He’d really like to Fed-Ex her back to Florida, but as this isn’t an option, he has to find some other way to overcome her interference. She isn’t just going to peacefully stand down. She’s not that kind of girl.
“Last week she outran me in gym class. I have a reputation to keep … Then afterward, she called me a gastropod … Why couldn’t she just say ‘snail’ like a normal person? … Last night was the last straw … I looked over at my brother and he was doodling in his notebook: Finley + Savannah. Inside a heart. Yuck … [S]he’s got to go.”
Mick tries his level best to oust Savannah once and for all, though his plan doesn’t exactly follow instructions—perhaps the reason he helpfully sets up the book as he does—and he soon finds first one, then an army of robots invading his house, and sees the writing on the wall. I mean, literally, writing on the wall—in blood:
FEAR US Mickey Bogerman OR ELSE
Mick isn’t afraid—at first. But when his dog is attacked, people go missing and the unstoppable army continues to advance, he knows he has to move on this in a serious way. Will he be able to recruit the troops to stand with him and save himself and all of Beachwood from total catastrophe?
Audiences may guess this is a rather fast read—and for me, an adult, it was. With all that, the amount of story in the book is generous and there is much more to the narrative than the robot element. So while a kiddo into robotics might be drawn to the tale, there are other components that broaden its appeal: wrangles between siblings, challenges at school and the follies of friendships. With a boy and girl going head to head, the novel positions itself as intended for both: girls will relate to Savannah and her responses, while boys will find their world, until recent years grossly underrepresented, given another valuable place in children’s literature.
One way Bogerman achieves this—perhaps to mixed response—is the use of casual, and sometimes improper grammar, with gonna making a few appearances, along with dialogue such as, “You’re the one can’t talk right now[.]” It is a technique, however, used sparingly and not one that sounds out of place given the distinctly different manner in which people in any language speak versus how they write.
Bogerman also writes in a manner indicative of someone who loves words, matching particular experiences to distinct phrases, and I have a feeling we’re going to see a lot more of this even apart from the Slug Pie Stories. “As I trudge across the south parking lot, a dog howls loud and long like he’s just swallowed a bowlful of grief[,]” for example, caught my attention coming from a teenage boy, hinting at the deeper personality growing beneath the surface. It also reflects his own mood at the moment, given that he hadn’t had bus fare and is returning from an hour’s worth of walking to get home.
How to Destroy the New Girl’s Killer Robot Army is a super fun read with scary elements and distinct and realistic representations of how teens relate to others (parents, neighbors, siblings, teachers, friends), what they like, things that concern them and how they handle conflict. As a female, it was such a delight to get this glimpse into a boy’s world, and other readers, kid as well as adult, are also sure to love this delightful action-adventure tale.
“So, if you’re looking for a wimpy, child-type book, turn away now. But if your kid is not a wimp, likes a heart-pounding scare and chasing down evil killer robots, then this, dear parents, is the story for your kid.”
Reading like a how-to or instruction manual, complete with chapter headings such as “Tell the New Girl to Go Away” (it’s always wise to start with the easiest option) and “Find the Lair,” this is the story of Mick and his efforts to extract Savannah Diamond, the new and very not quiet girl at school, from his life. He’d really like to Fed-Ex her back to Florida, but as this isn’t an option, he has to find some other way to overcome her interference. She isn’t just going to peacefully stand down. She’s not that kind of girl.
“Last week she outran me in gym class. I have a reputation to keep … Then afterward, she called me a gastropod … Why couldn’t she just say ‘snail’ like a normal person? … Last night was the last straw … I looked over at my brother and he was doodling in his notebook: Finley + Savannah. Inside a heart. Yuck … [S]he’s got to go.”
Mick tries his level best to oust Savannah once and for all, though his plan doesn’t exactly follow instructions—perhaps the reason he helpfully sets up the book as he does—and he soon finds first one, then an army of robots invading his house, and sees the writing on the wall. I mean, literally, writing on the wall—in blood:
FEAR US Mickey Bogerman OR ELSE
Mick isn’t afraid—at first. But when his dog is attacked, people go missing and the unstoppable army continues to advance, he knows he has to move on this in a serious way. Will he be able to recruit the troops to stand with him and save himself and all of Beachwood from total catastrophe?
Audiences may guess this is a rather fast read—and for me, an adult, it was. With all that, the amount of story in the book is generous and there is much more to the narrative than the robot element. So while a kiddo into robotics might be drawn to the tale, there are other components that broaden its appeal: wrangles between siblings, challenges at school and the follies of friendships. With a boy and girl going head to head, the novel positions itself as intended for both: girls will relate to Savannah and her responses, while boys will find their world, until recent years grossly underrepresented, given another valuable place in children’s literature.
One way Bogerman achieves this—perhaps to mixed response—is the use of casual, and sometimes improper grammar, with gonna making a few appearances, along with dialogue such as, “You’re the one can’t talk right now[.]” It is a technique, however, used sparingly and not one that sounds out of place given the distinctly different manner in which people in any language speak versus how they write.
Bogerman also writes in a manner indicative of someone who loves words, matching particular experiences to distinct phrases, and I have a feeling we’re going to see a lot more of this even apart from the Slug Pie Stories. “As I trudge across the south parking lot, a dog howls loud and long like he’s just swallowed a bowlful of grief[,]” for example, caught my attention coming from a teenage boy, hinting at the deeper personality growing beneath the surface. It also reflects his own mood at the moment, given that he hadn’t had bus fare and is returning from an hour’s worth of walking to get home.
How to Destroy the New Girl’s Killer Robot Army is a super fun read with scary elements and distinct and realistic representations of how teens relate to others (parents, neighbors, siblings, teachers, friends), what they like, things that concern them and how they handle conflict. As a female, it was such a delight to get this glimpse into a boy’s world, and other readers, kid as well as adult, are also sure to love this delightful action-adventure tale.
April 28, 2016
Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book
Meet the new (and totally evil!) girl Savannah. She and Mick do not get a long at ALL, so Mick devises a plot to send her back where she came from. I'm talking fake lice and psychotic robots who want to shoot your face clear off with a freakin' laser... the whole enchilada! So now it's up to Mick to stop the new girl and the killer robot army before things get from worse to worse than worse, if you get what I'm saying.
The New Girl's Killer Robot Army was a lot of fun and very creative! Though I thought this one was a little more intense than the last two books, in my opinion (I'm talking near death experience here!), overall it was just has this really adventurous feel to it that will definitely appeal to the young readers (and those young at heart). I also really love all the diverse characters (including the minor, side character who actually gave this story much more depth and interest!) and even the addition of a new character who was portrayed as the antagonist. Seeing the relationship between Mick and Savannah change from one thing to another was interesting to see, especially considering how different their relationship was from Finley and Savannah's relationship. Even more interesting was seeing how Finley's budding friendship with Savannah was affecting his relationship with his brother Mick... oh the drama! ;) And then the whole thing with the killer robot army... boy did I not see that coming! “Oscar” is one crazy (yet weirdly intelligent) robot!
This was another great book in an equally amazing series! A book I will definitely be passing along to the little brothers for sure! I cannot wait to read next one and see what trouble the brothers get themselves into!
Meet the new (and totally evil!) girl Savannah. She and Mick do not get a long at ALL, so Mick devises a plot to send her back where she came from. I'm talking fake lice and psychotic robots who want to shoot your face clear off with a freakin' laser... the whole enchilada! So now it's up to Mick to stop the new girl and the killer robot army before things get from worse to worse than worse, if you get what I'm saying.
The New Girl's Killer Robot Army was a lot of fun and very creative! Though I thought this one was a little more intense than the last two books, in my opinion (I'm talking near death experience here!), overall it was just has this really adventurous feel to it that will definitely appeal to the young readers (and those young at heart). I also really love all the diverse characters (including the minor, side character who actually gave this story much more depth and interest!) and even the addition of a new character who was portrayed as the antagonist. Seeing the relationship between Mick and Savannah change from one thing to another was interesting to see, especially considering how different their relationship was from Finley and Savannah's relationship. Even more interesting was seeing how Finley's budding friendship with Savannah was affecting his relationship with his brother Mick... oh the drama! ;) And then the whole thing with the killer robot army... boy did I not see that coming! “Oscar” is one crazy (yet weirdly intelligent) robot!
This was another great book in an equally amazing series! A book I will definitely be passing along to the little brothers for sure! I cannot wait to read next one and see what trouble the brothers get themselves into!
February 28, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Mick and Finley have their first major bust-up over a girl. This same girl happens to be handy with the ol' robotics and may have something to do with the titular killer army.
Apart from having (in my opinion) the most strikingly beautiful cover of the three, this book takes a slightly different turn as more characters enter the fray and Mick is forced to deal with not only his own poor behaviour, but an entirely non-organic fear-inducing monster. The reader gets to find out a bit more about Mick’s school in this one and there’s a definite sense of menace as the monsters in this story break into the Boogerman sanctuary. Special mention here go to Bagel Boy (who, in case you are wondering, is not a boy at all) and the inclusion of a female super-villain so Mick can pick on someone his own size.
This book felt like it had a wider scope than the first two, as many more characters are involved in the affray - apart from Mick, Finley and Savannah, there's Mick's mum, the family living next door, the super of Mick's building, a stray dog and a bunch of kids from Mick's school. It really felt like this book was opening the series up and preparing us for a big leap forward.
I'm definitely looking forward to the next instalment in this refreshingly original and highly engaging series.
Highly recommended.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Mick and Finley have their first major bust-up over a girl. This same girl happens to be handy with the ol' robotics and may have something to do with the titular killer army.
Apart from having (in my opinion) the most strikingly beautiful cover of the three, this book takes a slightly different turn as more characters enter the fray and Mick is forced to deal with not only his own poor behaviour, but an entirely non-organic fear-inducing monster. The reader gets to find out a bit more about Mick’s school in this one and there’s a definite sense of menace as the monsters in this story break into the Boogerman sanctuary. Special mention here go to Bagel Boy (who, in case you are wondering, is not a boy at all) and the inclusion of a female super-villain so Mick can pick on someone his own size.
This book felt like it had a wider scope than the first two, as many more characters are involved in the affray - apart from Mick, Finley and Savannah, there's Mick's mum, the family living next door, the super of Mick's building, a stray dog and a bunch of kids from Mick's school. It really felt like this book was opening the series up and preparing us for a big leap forward.
I'm definitely looking forward to the next instalment in this refreshingly original and highly engaging series.
Highly recommended.
November 24, 2014
This review can also be found here
**Copy provided via the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.**
When I was contacted to review this book I was so excited seeing as I really enjoyed the first two books in the series. This installment was just as wonderful as the first two and has me eagerly awaiting the release of book four.
In this installment we get to meet a new character, a girl named Savannah. At first I didn't really like her but she quickly grew on me. She was witty and clever and all around fantastic. Mick and Finley were as lovable as ever and had me laughing out loud.
The story is written like a how to guide like the first two books and the pace is just as quick. There is never a dull moment with the shenanigans that the characters manage to get into and the problem that the kids were trying to fix was really cool. Who doesn't love killer robots?
If you want a fast paced, fun story for your kids (or if you like middle grade yourself) definitely give this series a chance! The characters are great and the stories are interesting and have quite a bit of action.
**Copy provided via the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.**
When I was contacted to review this book I was so excited seeing as I really enjoyed the first two books in the series. This installment was just as wonderful as the first two and has me eagerly awaiting the release of book four.
In this installment we get to meet a new character, a girl named Savannah. At first I didn't really like her but she quickly grew on me. She was witty and clever and all around fantastic. Mick and Finley were as lovable as ever and had me laughing out loud.
The story is written like a how to guide like the first two books and the pace is just as quick. There is never a dull moment with the shenanigans that the characters manage to get into and the problem that the kids were trying to fix was really cool. Who doesn't love killer robots?
If you want a fast paced, fun story for your kids (or if you like middle grade yourself) definitely give this series a chance! The characters are great and the stories are interesting and have quite a bit of action.
May 30, 2016
Well, let me first of all get this out of the way, "I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review." Now onto the real business of this review. I 'normally' don't waste my time reviewing books BUT I'm also extremely picky about what I will purchase to read. So when I saw this particular book was available for the read and review program I jumped at the opportunity!
It grabbed me from the first moment I saw the title, and cover of the book. I didn't care that the book was for a younger generation to read. It whisked me back to a time when we used get the Reading Scholastic circulars in our Engish and Comprehension classes. (Sigh, those were the good old days.) I could literally here the book crying out to me to come and get lost in it like I did when I was a kid.
Oh, how I enjoyed it so! All the characters came to life on the pages, and I felt like a kid again. It was such a breath of fresh air, and a change from what I normally read. I really recommend that if you are looking for a break, or a stress reliever, or you just want to read a quick sweet story, that you check this one out. You will not be disappointed...
It grabbed me from the first moment I saw the title, and cover of the book. I didn't care that the book was for a younger generation to read. It whisked me back to a time when we used get the Reading Scholastic circulars in our Engish and Comprehension classes. (Sigh, those were the good old days.) I could literally here the book crying out to me to come and get lost in it like I did when I was a kid.
Oh, how I enjoyed it so! All the characters came to life on the pages, and I felt like a kid again. It was such a breath of fresh air, and a change from what I normally read. I really recommend that if you are looking for a break, or a stress reliever, or you just want to read a quick sweet story, that you check this one out. You will not be disappointed...
May 15, 2015
A quick, fun middle grade (ages 8-12) horror read coming in at 168 pages. Though it is “Slug Pie Story #3,” it can be read as a stand-alone. There are references to the prior stories, mainly How to Rid Your Swimming Pool of a Bloodthirsty Mermaid (Slug Pie Story #2), which will leave the reader curious rather than confused. So, parents, be prepared for your middle grade reader (or yourself, parent or not) to want more.
My full review (instead of this lazy copy & paste with slight revision of one paragraph) can be read at http://t.co/LJjO9nqlEz
3.5/5 stars, which I round up to 4 here on GoodReads
This review refers to a finished, signed copy received for free through the GoodReads First Reads giveaway program. While reviews are not required, they are encouraged, and so this is my honest review in exchange for the free book.
My full review (instead of this lazy copy & paste with slight revision of one paragraph) can be read at http://t.co/LJjO9nqlEz
3.5/5 stars, which I round up to 4 here on GoodReads
This review refers to a finished, signed copy received for free through the GoodReads First Reads giveaway program. While reviews are not required, they are encouraged, and so this is my honest review in exchange for the free book.
May 7, 2015
Disclaimer: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third installment of this series, and it just keeps getting better and better!
Mick and his little brother Finley have fended off zombie pirates and an evil mermaid. So what's there to do now? Why, defeat a killer robot army, of course!
Savannah, the new girl in town, as really gotten on Mick's nerves, so he hatches a scheme to get rid of her for good. However, it doesn't go as planned (of course), and theeeeeeen life gets weird (well, weirder than he's dealt with in a couple weeks, anyway). How will he make it out of this scrape? Grab your copy to find out!
5 stars =)
This is the third installment of this series, and it just keeps getting better and better!
Mick and his little brother Finley have fended off zombie pirates and an evil mermaid. So what's there to do now? Why, defeat a killer robot army, of course!
Savannah, the new girl in town, as really gotten on Mick's nerves, so he hatches a scheme to get rid of her for good. However, it doesn't go as planned (of course), and theeeeeeen life gets weird (well, weirder than he's dealt with in a couple weeks, anyway). How will he make it out of this scrape? Grab your copy to find out!
5 stars =)
February 11, 2017
I received a free copy of this book as a Goodreads giveaway
I am not in the target age range for this book, but can nevertheless appreciate its appeal. When I was young, we didn't have this sort of book and even in these enlightened times, I wouldn't necessarily promote this type of read to today's youngsters - more a reflection on me than on the book, perhaps.
However, it is well written, has good pace and plenty of action and it didn't matter to me that I hadn't read others in the series.
Nice and short, which was a plus for me and all in all, a good read.
I am not in the target age range for this book, but can nevertheless appreciate its appeal. When I was young, we didn't have this sort of book and even in these enlightened times, I wouldn't necessarily promote this type of read to today's youngsters - more a reflection on me than on the book, perhaps.
However, it is well written, has good pace and plenty of action and it didn't matter to me that I hadn't read others in the series.
Nice and short, which was a plus for me and all in all, a good read.
September 2, 2015
Won this book through a goodreads giveaway.
Read this book to my 8 year old daughter, though the content was such that she would have had no problem reading itself. Perfect story for that age group and both she and I really enjoyed it. Keeping an eye out for the other Slug Pie books!
Read this book to my 8 year old daughter, though the content was such that she would have had no problem reading itself. Perfect story for that age group and both she and I really enjoyed it. Keeping an eye out for the other Slug Pie books!
January 15, 2015
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
A fun quick read full of action, adventure and friendship. I plan on having my children read it next.
A fun quick read full of action, adventure and friendship. I plan on having my children read it next.
August 8, 2015
This story is highly entertaining adventure. I read this book to my kids with fantastic results.
December 16, 2015
We are proud to announce that HOW TO DESTROY THE NEW GIRL’S KILLER ROBOT ARMY by Mich Bogerman is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews