Tales from Lovecraft Middle School #3: Teacher's Pest

By Charles Gilman

“Two-headed monsters, giant tentacles, angry demons—Lovecraft Middle School is great creepy fun!”
—Ransom Riggs, author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
 
DON'T BE FOOLED by his friendly smile, his perfect manners, or his shiny red apple. Student council president Howard Mergler is actually a sinister bug-monster in disguise—and he's summoning swarms of roaches, wasps, fleas, and head lice into the corridors of Lovecraft Middle School!  Twelve-year-old Robert Arthur is the only student who can stop him--but he'll need help from his best friends: the school bully, the school ghost, and an extremely courageous two-headed rat.
 
This third novel in the Lovecraft Middle School series begins right where Professor Gargoyle and The Slither Sisters ended—with more action, more adventure, and more outrageous monsters!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: May 7, 2013
• ISBN: 9781594746222

Reviews for Tales from Lovecraft Middle School #3

[donna47_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A light horror series using historical references to Lovecraft horror but it is not nearly as frightening. It would be a good series for middle school kids. As an adult, I enjoyed the book. The story is about insects invading the school and the main character Robert fighting the problem with his buddies Glenn and Karina. I love Robert's pet a two headed rat named Pip and Squeak. They are cool. I truly enjoyed this story and I look forward to more in this series.

[twistingthelens_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a very cute middle grade series. It reminds me of the 'Goosebumps' books from when I was younger, but a bit more character-driven. The nod to H.P. Lovecraft is interesting in that it begins to introduce kids to not just the horror genre, but the history behind it as well. I would definitely recommend this humorous horror for younger readers.

[shazzerwise_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Charles Gilman's continues to impress with this creeptastic series. In this volume, Robert, Glenn and Karina must combat an army of insects that swarm Lovecraft Middle School. Pesky student council president Howard Mergler commands a legion of flies, roaches, fleas, and most disturbingly, head lice (which requires nearly the entire student population to sport shaved heads) in an attempt to aid his Master, Crawford Tillinghast. Creeps and bumps and quite a few laugh are to be found in "Teacher's Pest", and from the looks of things, this series is going to continue to bring the fear for a while longer.

[sennebec · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fast, fun read that will hook reluctant readers with its characters, funny touch of evil and plot elements. A good addition for both school and public libraries.

[vcg610 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Talk about a cool book...the cover of Teacher's Pest magically morphs from the portrait of student council president Howard Mergler, to the downright despicable monster insect which has "borrowed" Howard's body, with just a tilt of the wrist. What middle schooler won't want to check this one out?The body switching is instigated by the evil master of an alternate world, Crawford Tillinghast. In the first two volumes of the The Lovecraft Middle School saga, student Robert Arthur has had to think fast and move faster to foil the plans of Tillinghast and his devious team of teachers and students enlisted to help with his takeover attempts.This time, the body swap of several students and teachers is meant to wreak havoc in Lovecraft Middle school via the infestation of hideous and disgusting insects. Once again, Robert Arthur must act to save the school, but this time his best friend may have fallen victim to the schemes of Crawford Tillinghast and his minions!Can Robert enlist other helpers, or will he have to face this alone? Fast moving and fun to read, and it won't be long before a fourth volume, Substitute Creature will be ripe for the reading. Watch for it in September, 2013.

[aya8herron · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Twelve-year-old middle school student, Robert Arthur, and his friends Glenn Torkells, the school bully, and Karina Ortiz, the school ghost, are back in the third installment of the Lovecraft Middle School series. It's just another normal school day at Lovecraft Middle School. Normal, that is, until Glenn gets stung by a wasp, and not just any wasp, mind you, but one with a purple abdomen. That's just the beginning. Soon ants, head lice, flies, gnats, wasps, and fleas are taking over the school and, of course, the janitors are on strike. This buggy situation quickly goes from simply annoying with most of the students have to get their heads shaved to downright dangerous as student council president, Howard Mergler, summons even more bugs to the school. As a giant bug in the disguise of a kid, Howard has enlisted the insects to help him accomplish his Master's sinister plan of revenge. Robert, Glenn, and Karina must figure out how to save the school from certain disaster before the bugs take over everything. In a race against time, the trio, with the help of the school librarian, Ms. Lavinia, and Robert's two-headed rat, must work as a team to thwart the Master's plan.The Bottom Line: Author Charles Gilman includes plenty of action and adventure making this the perfect book for kids in grades 4 - 7 including boys and reluctant readers. While I did not read the first two books in the series, I was easily able to pick up this one and read it without missing a beat. That being said, I enjoyed this one so much that I will definitely be checking out the others. This book's focus on friendship and teamwork make it a winner. Additionally, the black and white pencil drawings are realistic and a fantastic complement the text. Highly recommended for young fans of horror, especially those who are fans of Goosebumps or The Bailey School Kids.

[carebear36 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I received an ARC of this book. It was an interesting story, even for an adult. The plot was interesting and the world created was captivating. It was a nice, easy read.

[catzteach · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book. I think it would be a great addition to any school library. The plot kept moving and the characters appealed to me. The only complaint I have is at the end when Robert's mom mentioned that school nurses get paid summer vacations. They do not. Nor do teachers or educational assistants. If he's going to write books about a school, he needs to know how schools work.

[rayneofdarkness · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Reading this along with my nephew and out of the three I have to say this one seemed to be missing something that the first two had. I enjoyed the information that was shared about insects since my nephew is a bug lover he thought it was really fascinating to learn about them. It was a quick read and I can't place what was missing from this one. The best was the action with Pip and Squeak my nephew was on the edge of his seat with that.

[sebastianhagelstein · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A student and nurse that turn into bugs try to take over Lovecraft Middle School. As villains, they make the story interesting. Robert and his friends thwart the bugs is very clever and tricky. The ending, when the school is filled with bugs, is dramatic.

[avanders_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Review based on ARC.The best part about reading a good series is when the books get better as they progress. This one does not disappoint.Teacher's Pest is the best yet in the series of the Tales From Lovecraft Middle School. The book begins with Robert and Glenn beginning a day like any other day in the life of a middle schooler. Unlike the first two books in the series, however, a sudden twist in the beginning of the story leaves you questioning the allegiances of even the most faithful of Robert's friends. Glenn is bitten by an unusual looking, purple-bellied wasp, and his behavior suddenly and dramatically changes. Not only is Robert left wondering if his friend is ok and what it will take to bring him back around, but he is also left largely alone to deal with the new plot of Tillinghast to take over the school and the world.At the end of Book 2 (Slither Sisters), Howard Mergler has been named Student Council President as a result of Robert's gracious actions. As we learn at the end of Book 2, however, Howard is yet another demon-in-disguise and part of Tillinghast's plan. In addition to the purple wasp that Glenn was subject to, the entire school is overrun with creepy crawlers of all varieties. Howard Mergler promises the school that the creepy crawlers will all be gone by the end of the day, but in Robert's investigations, a more sinister plot is discovered.Teacher's Pest is not only an entertaining story and a quick read, but it also contains morals and friend-lessons and is, overall, promising to be an excellent series.I highly recommend for 8+ readers with a penchant for the unusual!

[grgenius_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

We're back and Lovecraft Middle School is under attack once again as Crawford Tillinghast tries to take over the school with his army of creatures, features, devious diversions and the like.Howard Mergler is a tricky one and has positioned himself just so within the school's class system to potentially get everything he and the evil Tillinghast desire.By the time this installment is up, we'll have faced clouds of maggots, more than our fair share of lice, and just might be looking at an eternity with our soul in a slightly larger than average urn and our body being used to cause who knows what kinds of havoc in the real world, but hey...at least we'll be doing it together with our friends Glenn, Karina, and Pip and Squeak. Right? Right?!? *-* I love how the books all build off of each other never leaving you to wonder what happened during the days/months/years in between installments. I love how though all installments are a part of the whole, they can in fact be read individually and still enjoyed. I also love how the author keeps the main crew in the spotlight but allows even the smallest of creatures to have additional page time in often unique ways. In conclusion, a definite MUST READ for the MG fan in your life, whether they be tall or small, young or old, from this realm or not (*-*); there is "fun" to be had in the pages of any Lovecraft Middle School story from cover to cover. **review copy was received in exchange for my honest review - full post can be viewed on my site**

[jalenv_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Tales From Lovecraft Middle School series gives us another fun lenticular cover with its third offering, Teacher's Pest. This time a wholesome rosy-cheeked boy holding a perfect apple in his right hand turns into an insect. He's still wearing a nice, wrinkle-free shirt and bowtie, but now I feel like reaching for a giant flyswatter.None of the insects in this adventure are as huge as those in such black and white SF movie classics as Them and The Deadly Mantis, but they don't have to be. Even ordinary tiny insects can be scary if there are enough of them. There are definitely enough of them, starting with a strangely-colored wasp that lands on Glen Torkell, best friend of our hero, Robert Arthur. A trip to the office of the school nurse, Miss Mandis, brings more bad news: head lice. I picked up a case of those at school over 50 years ago and I remember sitting with my hair soaked in kerosene while my mother was getting rid of nits and eggs. The victims at Lovecraft Middle School would probably have preferred suffering what I suffered compared to what happens to them.The insect infestation gets worse. Much worse. A teacher enthusiastically giving disgusting facts about houseflies isn't helpful, especially for students who've just eaten. What happens in the cafeteria later is an appetite killer. Will the janitors get their raises so they'll come off strike? Howard the student council president has idea to save the day. Would you stay inside if you saw a bunch of guys in hazmat suits enter your school? It's very suspicious that their tanks' markings indicate they're carrying poison, but they have no problem spraying with students still in the halls. Actually, this series gives us so many reasons for paranoia to seem the only sane option that I find myself wondering if the janitors were secretly paid to go on strike. Or did they go on strike because they're not human anymore and they had their orders? The filthy and smelly conditions at the school are making the insect invasion understandable, but we fans of the series know there's something sinister going on. Glen has been acting very strange since the events of the first couple of chapters. What will Robert do without his reliable ally? Karina is a great friend, too, but being a ghost limits the help she can give. Then Pip and Squeak, Robert's two-headed rat, goes missing in action. Robert has to get a key from the Tillinghast Mansion if he has any hope of rescuing his pet. Can he make it without being captured?The daring rescue involves more insects in scenes worthy of nightmares. I think I'd have been gagging and barfing too much to be of any use. The ending announces a change that's likely to make things worse.Have you ever seen the 1956 Invasion of the Body Snatchers movie? This series channels some of the spirit of that film -- except that the heroes having to deal with their townsfolk being replaced are kids too young to drive. I'm really enjoying Tales From Lovecraft Middle School! Why wasn't it around when I was in seventh grade??

[ljldml · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love a series that gets better with each book. I must admit, the bugs in this book had me scratching my skin as I read, but it's all in fun. Kids will love this series, especially boys. This book in particular is full of flying, buggy creatures. We aren't quite certain about Glen's allegiance but all works out in the end. A wonderful addition to the Lovecraft series.

[maryann12_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Definitely what fans of the prior books would expect. A bit formulaic at this point, but still a fast fun read. Not what I would call scary, more like light-hearted horror that is perfect for the young readers it is intended for.TEACHER'S PEST is a well-written book that provides young readers with a little spooky fun while also offering them some reassurance that the challenges of middle school are not insurmountable. Tales from Lovecraft Middle School #3: Teacher's Pest features a satisfying self-contained adventure. It will no doubt leave young readers anxiously awaiting the next installment in the series, and anything that makes kids WANT to read clearly has something going for it.

[katyas_26 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Book Info: Genre: MG FantasyReading Level: Middle Grade (12 and up)Recommended for: Fans of Middle Grade fantasy, Lovecraftian fiction, the seriesBook Available: May 7, 2013 in hardcover or Kindle format Trigger Warnings: Insects. Lots and lots of insects.My Thoughts: I really like this series; it's just so much fun! Karina, Glenn and Robert never know what will go wrong next or who will be lost next to the sinister forces of Crawford Tillinghast.These books are fast and fun reads for the adult reader (it took me just a bit over an hour to read my copy), but are entertaining, and I think readers young and old will enjoy these stories. I'm definitely keeping my eyes open for the next, scheduled for release this fall!Series Information: Teacher's Pest is the third book in the Tales from Lovecraft Middle School series of fantasies.Book 1: Professor Gargoyle , reviewed October, 2012, linked here where formatting allowedBook 2: The Slither Sisters , reviewed January, 2013, linked here where formatting allowedBook 4: Substitute Creature, scheduled for release in September, 2013.Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.Synopsis: DON'T BE FOOLED by his friendly smile, his perfect manners, or his shiny red apple. Student council president Howard Mergler is actually a sinister bug-monster in disguise—and he's summoning swarms of roaches, wasps, fleas, and head lice into the corridors of Lovecraft Middle School! Twelve-year-old Robert Arthur is the only student who can stop him—but he'll need help from his best friends: the school bully, the school ghost, and an extremely courageous two-headed rat.

[ed_gosney · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The third entry into Charles Gilman’s Lovecraft Middle School world, Teacher’s Pest, gives us pretty much the same as the first, wherein our buddies Robert and Glenn must battle the forces of evil that live in an alternate reality on the middle school grounds. We learn a little more about Glenn, but it seems that Karina, the ghost girl who doesn’t like to be reminded of who she is, plays a lessor role than she did in book 2.These are fun, easy reads that introduce young readers to some of the ideas of Lovecraft’s world without being nearly as frightening, and with happy endings. I would have enjoyed these even more as a middle school student, but they have proven entertaining even to me in my adult years.Gilman has a good thing going with these and I look forward to future volumes.