In this slapstick comedy, Gordon Korman introduces Douglas Fairchild, ambassador's son and private school flunkee. From his Pefkakian ancestry to sending memos to the bus driver and creating the ultimate school stench with squid, Douglas's antics baffle his myopic parents, teachers and administrators at his new school. It comes as no surprise that the boy is recommended to the Twinkie Squad, an after-school counseling group. Formerly stigmatized as a bunch of ``weirdos,'' the Squad bonds together under Douglas's daring leadership and forms an unlikely alliance that unwittingly turns them into the school's most fashionable secret club. The broad humor that runs through this farcical story seems occasionally farfetched and contrived; similarly, the characters remain stereotypes, their personalities never fully developed. In spite of these drawbacks, middle readers may well take to the members of this eccentric squad--and to their kid-pleasing antics. Korman's fans may also be reassured by the fact that Douglas and his cohorts find a place for themselves and prove that fitting in is an overrated idea. Ages 8-12. (Oct.)

Gr 4-7-- The story of what happens when the school geek group becomes the hottest ticket in town. No one wants to be part of the Special Discussion Group, unaffectionately known as the Twinkie Squad, at Thaddeus G. Little Middle School. Its members are social outcasts--until Douglas Fairchild takes charge. A born leader and the son of an ambassador, Douglas is a politically correct sixth grader who spends most of his time reveling in, and writing the history of, his Pefkakian heritage. Through him, the Twinkie Squad becomes an exclusive social club whose antics lead to hilariously silly effects. A believable supporting cast enhances this confident coup, as the group pulls fast ones on the rest of the school, the administration, alumni, and even the U. S. Surgeon General. In the process of wreaking all of this havoc, the once shy Special Discussion Group members gain confidence and become friends. Readers will delight in their behavior and will relate to the Squad members. They may even want to form their own club. --Sharon Korbeck, Milwaukee Public Library

I haven't actually been kept after school lately, but TWINKIE SQUAD captures that horrible feeling, along with all the angst of being an outsider and wondering who you really are. L.J. Ganser varies his voice by only a degree when he slips into the pompous accent of the diplomat's son, Douglas Fairchild, or the tough talk of homeboy Commando, but he provides just enough differentiation to let the personalities of these sixth-grade misfits shine through. Real middle school was never this much fun. M.C. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine