Zack Files: Yikes! Grandma’s a Teenager
Written by: Dan Greenburg
Illustrated by: Jack E. Davis
Grosset & Dunlap $6.99
Recommended reading level: grade 3

Zack and his father are in yet another predicament. This time Zack’s Grandma is the focus of the story as she contends with aging, however in this case it is reverse aging. This eighty-eight year old woman is in New York to be honoured as the oldest living Radio City Rockette. When she arrives at the airport, she becomes confused and goes through the malfunctioning security system backwards. No big deal but as she visits with her son and grandson it is apparent that she is getting younger as each day passes. As fun as this sounds, frankly Zack is embarrassed and wants his old Grandma back. How could this happen and more importantly, will Grandma ever return to her eighty-eight year old body? Zack and his Dad are on the case and will no doubt solve the mystery.

Although this is a “chapter” book, it also includes funny illustrations to help readers visualize the characters. Who could imagine a Grandma as a hip teenage girl wearing a leopard print min-skirt and a black leather biker’s jacket? The pictures definitely help.

This is the seventeenth book in the Zack Files series. It is a great choice for early readers who love humour and a touch of mystery.