Fake Mustache in Mock Newbery 2026

Nov 12, 2011 Donalyn rated it really liked it

Shelves: children-s-fantasy, 2012-nerdy-book-club-shortlist

Hilarious and bizarre. I laughed every single page. Tom Angleberger manages to combine several random elements--fake mustaches, child TV stars, clowns, and elections-- into an enjoyable story about fighting for what's right. I can't wait to share this with my students. ...more

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Jan 18, 2012 Monica Edinger rated it really liked it

Yesterday a package of ARCs from Abrams arrived at my home, among them Tom Angleberger's forthcoming Fake Mustache and, needing a light read before bed, I decided to give it a try. Next thing I knew a couple of hours had passed and I'd gulped down the whole delightful confection. It isn't out till April so I hope this isn't a dreadful tease, but I thought Origami Yoda fans as well as others looking for good and funny middle grade books might like to know what they have in store.

So wacky this is Yesterday a package of ARCs from Abrams arrived at my home, among them Tom Angleberger's forthcoming Fake Mustache and, needing a light read before bed, I decided to give it a try. Next thing I knew a couple of hours had passed and I'd gulped down the whole delightful confection. It isn't out till April so I hope this isn't a dreadful tease, but I thought Origami Yoda fans as well as others looking for good and funny middle grade books might like to know what they have in store.

So wacky this is (as another beloved Angleberger character might say) in the best way which is no easy feat. For funny is incredibly hard to pull off; what has me guffawing can just as easily leave another reader cold and vice versa. As someone who too often has been left cold by silliness I was wary when I started this one, but within pages I was completely won over.

So where to begin with this over-the-top story? The beginning, I guess. The first section is narrated by seventh grader Lenny Flem, Jr who tells what happens when classmate-and-supposedly-best-friend Casper Bengue gets his hands (or rather his upper lip) on a very pricey fake mustache, the Heidleberg Handlebar #7 to be exact. Somehow Casper knows of the remarkable properties of this mustache and while I don't want to give away too much I will say that they help him to begin taking over the world starting with state governor and moving on to president. And so Lenny along with a Hannah Montana-like television star called Jodie O'Rodeo (who narratives the second section of the book) alone have to save the day.

There are silly names (Casper and Lenny's town is called Hairsprinkle), pitch-perfect-for-kids grossness (boogers play a significant role), and some lighthearted pop culture baiting (e.g. Jodie's has-been status). There are wild and crazy chases and bad guys and much zaniness. One of my many favorite moments is when Casper in his new "I"m taking over the world" role changes Election Day to Monday so he can take over the US faster.

I will be eager to see what others think of this one, but for me it was a goofy froth of fun.

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May 20, 2012 Carmine rated it it was ok

Shelves: juvenile-fiction, humor

Really enjoyed Origami Yoda so I started with higher expectations. This one was so completely over the top that it lost me all together. By halfway I found myself just wanting it to be over and sped through the ending. The sheer zaniness will work for some, but it was lost on me (and on my inner 9 year old.)

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Sep 04, 2012 carissa rated it liked it

Shelves: juvenile-fiction

Recommended Ages: grades 4 - 7

Lenny Flem Jr. is the only one standing between his evil-genius best friend, Casper, and world domination as Casper uses a spectacularly convincing fake mustache and the ability to hypnotize to rob banks, amass a vast fortune, and run for president.

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May 12, 2012 Jean rated it really liked it

It made me laugh with the whole ridiculous story. Shades of Pinkwater! Great fun!

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Oct 02, 2012 Wendy Garland rated it liked it

Quirky, but fun middle school read.

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Jan 20, 2012 Elisabeth rated it it was ok

I kept wanting this to be more like Holes or to be handled more like a Louis Sachar book. I can do outrageous and goofy and all of that but Origami Yoda it is not.

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Feb 02, 2012 Mary Lee rated it it was ok

Shelves: middle-grade, humor, adventure, tall-tale

It's not that it's such a bad book, I'm just not a huge fan of this kind of humor. Laurel and Hardy movies don't work for me, either.

#holidaybookaday #7 ...more

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