The fifth volume in this early reader series once again stars science-loving Freddy von Frankenstein, monster big brother, F.M., and were-cat sister, Riya, who live in a palace on a supernatural mountain in Nepal. It conveys gentle social-emotional lessons about being oneself, inclusion, and more, and as in the fourth volume, offers clear trans representation.
In this volume, Freddy is jealous that friend Binsa is hired as Freddy’s dad’s lab assistant, while F.M. is jealous of Freddy’s new friend Mukesh. Freddy then plays a prank on Binsa that ruins one of her lab experiments. When a mischievous imp traps Freddy and Mukesh below the palace, Freddy learns from an unexpected source how his actions affect others.
For Binsa’s part, she wanted to do a good job as lab assistant because “it was hard to fit in as a trans girl” at school; some of her classmates didn’t like it when she told them she was trans. “It’s better now.” she affirms—but clearly, finding a place to belong is important to her. Riya, who hadn’t known Binsa was trans, is fully accepting. Binsa seems surprised that F.M. hadn’t told her, to which Riya replies, “I’m sure he thought it was your story to tell.” It’s a nice little lesson. Mostly, though, Binsa’s role is as a scientist and the one who leads the rescue; I appreciate that her trans experience is recognized but not dwelt on as the plot driver, so that we get to see more sides of her.
In the end, all are reconciled after discussion and a few laughs. As with the rest of the series, there’s also plenty of action, excitement, and STEM interest along with the gentle social lessons, making this a fun tale for readers stepping up from picture books. The book does assume that readers are familiar with who some of the characters are from the other books, however, but that’s all the more reason to read the entire series.
