Step into the zany, brain-tickling world of Frank Einstein, where a kid genius blends science with adventure to create inventions that are equal parts brilliant and bonkers! The *Frank Einstein* series, penned by Jon Scieszka and brought to life with Brian Biggs’ vibrant illustrations, is a New York Times bestselling chapter book saga for kids aged 8-12. Packed with humor, real science facts, and a rivalry as electric as a lightning bolt, this series is a STEM-loving reader’s dream, sparking curiosity and giggles in equal measure.
Follow Frank, a young inventor with wild hair and wilder ideas, as he teams up with his self-assembled robots, Klink and Klank, to outsmart his scheming classmate, T. Edison. From antimatter motors to brain-boosting gadgets, each book is a whirlwind of clever contraptions and laugh-out-loud moments, making science as fun as a barrel of monkeys.
How Frank Einstein Began
Jon Scieszka, a literary rockstar known for *The Stinky Cheese Man*, dreamed up *Frank Einstein* to fuse his love for science with his knack for storytelling. Inspired by the likes of Albert Einstein and Frankenstein’s monster, Scieszka crafted a hero whose name is a playful nod to both. Teaming up with illustrator Brian Biggs, whose quirky diagrams and cartoons amplify the series’ charm, Scieszka launched the series in 2014 with *Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor*. The goal? To make science accessible and exciting for middle-grade readers, especially reluctant ones, through action-packed “science adventures” that don’t skimp on fun.
The Heart of Frank Einstein
The series kicks off with *Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor*, where Frank’s garage experiment and a freak lightning storm bring robots Klink (a wisecracking brainiac) and Klank (a hug-happy goofball) to life. Their mission to win the Midville Science Prize is thwarted by T. Edison’s evil schemes, setting the stage for a battle of wits. In *Frank Einstein and the Electro-Finger*, Frank channels Nikola Tesla to invent a device for free energy, only to clash with Edison’s monopolistic plans. *Frank Einstein and the BrainTurbo* dives into the human body, with Frank crafting a brain-boosting gadget to help his friend Janegoodall ace baseball tryouts. Finally, *Frank Einstein and the Bio-Action Gizmo* explores Earth’s ecosystems, pitting Frank against Edison’s latest dastardly plot.
Each book weaves real science—matter, energy, biology, and more—into a fast-paced narrative, with Biggs’ two-color diagrams explaining concepts like the circulatory system or particle physics in a kid-friendly way. The series’ Midville setting, a quirky town where garages double as labs, grounds the fantastical inventions in a relatable world. Themes of curiosity, teamwork, and creative problem-solving shine, encouraging kids to question how the world works and experiment themselves.
Why Frank Einstein Resonates
*Frank Einstein* has carved a niche in children’s literature by proving science can be as thrilling as fiction. Praised by *Kirkus Reviews* for its “buoyant, tongue-in-cheek celebration” of inquiry and by *Publishers Weekly* for showing science’s fun side, the series is a hit with educators and parents. Its blend of humor and learning has made it a go-to for STEM education, inspiring young readers to see themselves as inventors. Fans, including kids as young as five, adore the cliffhanger chapters and lovable characters, with many parents noting its appeal to reluctant readers, including those with dyslexia.
- Publication Years: 2014–2018
- Number of Books: 6
- Awards: AudioFile Earphones Award for *Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor* audiobook
Grab a Book and Get Inventing!
Ready to join Frank Einstein’s wild ride? Pick up *Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor* and dive into a world where science meets silliness. Whether you’re a budding scientist or just love a good laugh, this series is your ticket to adventure!