THE ADVENTURES OF JO SCHMO: Dinos Are Forever by Greg Trine, illustrated by Frank W. Dormer (Harcourt Children’s Books, 2012)

Readers of author Greg Trine’s Melvin Beederman series are in for another treat. Say hello to Jo Schmo, a normal fourth grade girl who’s content doing normal fourth grade things until the day a mysterious package arrives. Jo comes from a long line of crime fighters and even though she’d expected that one day she, too, would wear a badge, she didn’t expect it to happen quite this way. “Jo Schmo, Crime Fighter, did have a certain ring to it. But Jo Schmo, Superhero?” 

Readers will enjoy following Jo and Raymond, her loyal dog and sidekick, as they track down a pair of “Bank Robber School of America” graduates and later wrestle up Dr. Dastardly and his assistant just in time to save the city from a dinosaur take-over .

Paired with Dormer’s energetic illustrations, Jo Schmo is a perfect series to hand to transitional and reluctant readers looking for a laugh and a quick, fun read.  And don’t forget to check out Book #2:  WYATT BURP RIDES AGAIN and Book #3 SHIFTY BUSINESS.

Want to enter for a chance to win a free signed copy of this month’s featured book, Call Me Oklahoma! ? There’s still time! Email Miriam Glassman HERE or send an email to mgglassman at gmail dot com with the words “Oklahoma Giveaway” in the subject line. Winners will be announced on February 28, 2013.