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Courtney Sheinmel
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Zacktastic Hardcover – November 1, 2015

by Courtney Sheinmel (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 18 ratings
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Upon the occasion of his tenth birthday, Zack learns from his uncle that Zack is descended from a line of genies. Before his uncle has time to fully explain the genie world, Zack is whisked through a bottle portal and sent on his first genie assignment. But he doesn't have a clue as to what he is supposed to do or what his powers might entail.
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    7 - 10 years
  2. Print length
    272 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    2 - 5
  5. Lexile measure
    620L
  6. Dimensions
    5.75 x 0.75 x 7.5 inches
  7. Publisher
    Sleeping Bear Press
  8. Publication date
    November 1, 2015
  9. ISBN-10
    1585369349
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1585369348
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 3–5—Meet Zack Cooley, aka Zacktastic, a 10-year-old who's almost too busy making sure that all the doors of his house are securely locked and battling with his twin sister, Quinn, to notice that he has very few friends. But everything changes when Zack's Uncle Max breaks some pretty important news: Zack is a genie. Before he can say "Poof!" Zack is whisked away on his first genie mission—something for which he is not even remotely prepared. Written in a conversational and readable tone, Zacktastic will hold some appeal for younger middle grade readers. Many will find Zack likable; he seems like a real kid who has flaws and fears and actually enjoys the smell of his own stinky feet. Annoying and popular twin sister Quinn is also a believable character whom many readers may recognize in their own lives. However, Zack's penchant for safety has a weighty backstory that doesn't get the explanation it deserves, and his habit of combining words to create his own language ("Crazmazing. Adjective. When something is crazy and amazing at the same time.") doesn't add much to his character and feels like a heavy-handed afterthought. While Sheinmel's overall concept mostly succeeds, the narrative is weighed down by distracting details and readers may find themselves wondering why Zack's toe itches when he is about to grant a wish or why all genies have incredibly neat hairdos. VERDICT Geared toward children who are interested in the "Harry Potter" books but looking for a more innocuous plotline, this unfortunately does not create any new magic.—Laura Lintz, Henrietta Public Library, Rochester, NY

Review

In this start to a new series, the always-reliable Courtney Sheinmel delivers another book guaranteed to appeal to the late elementary school set. Zachary Cooley is nowhere near as popular as his twin sister Quinn. Most of the time he doesn't mind, but when they celebrate their tenth birthday together and his elderly uncle seems to have forgotten the occasion, he feels particularly lonely. As it turns out, he needn't feel left out since Zach is a genie, complete with a bottle and the ability to grant wishes. In fact, he descends from a long line of genies. Before Uncle Max can begin his tutelage, he is sent across country to a private school where a privileged youngster has everything he could want except what he really wants. Although Trey is the object of much teasing and bullying from some classmates, he is also a bit of a jerk himself. Zack is thrust into his new role with little preparation, leaving him at risk if he encounters the wrong person. I enjoyed watching the author develop these characters and Zack's relationship with Quinn as well as the layering provided by the deep-seated fears Zack has about the dangers that lurk in everyday life. It will be interesting to see where the author takes this series. --Barbara's Reviews /Goodreads

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sleeping Bear Press (November 1, 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1585369349
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1585369348
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 7 - 10 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 620L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 2 - 5
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.75 x 0.75 x 7.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 18 ratings

About the author

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Courtney Sheinmel

Courtney Sheinmel

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Courtney Sheinmel is the author of over 30 books for kids and teens, including the STELLA BATTS, MY PET SLIME, and MAGIC ON THE MAP series for young readers. She lives in New York City with her family, and she loves to hear from readers. Find Courtney on Instagram @courtneysheinmel.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
18 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Jessica Fikes
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for 9yo
Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2021
Verified Purchase
If you have any kid around age 7-13 then they will live this book.
One person found this helpful
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Angel
5.0 out of 5 stars An engaging and fun read and listen!
Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2016
I adored this book. I got the narration with this book so my son (3yrs) and I could listen to it while we relaxed before nap time. The narrator breathed so much life into the book. More than I could have. The story was engaging, fun, and I found myself getting into it just as much as my son was. Though he didn't understand everything, he still asks for it - which is saying something. I highly recommend this book for young children and even for the adults who read to them. Even my 12 year old daughter enjoyed it!
2 people found this helpful
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Nick
5.0 out of 5 stars So fun!
Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2018
This is a fun read that my boys will particularly enjoy. It is often hard to find a good book for boys, but this is one of those gems. I highly recommend it.
One person found this helpful
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Rachel
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2017
Too cute. Very original story. Likable characters. I loved the narrator - he brought even more life to the story.
One person found this helpful
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JCS
5.0 out of 5 stars ... visit our school last month and the kids just love her! They're already huge fans of the Stella ...
Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2015
We were lucky enough to have Courtney Sheinmel visit our school last month and the kids just love her! They're already huge fans of the Stella Batt series and they were dying to read Zachtastic. We can't keep Zachtastic in stock in the library! There's such a long wait list to take out this book about a boy genie! It's so hard to find great boy books for young readers and this one really delivers.
2 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great book to give to kids for Christmas
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2015
This is a great book to give to kids for Christmas! Zack is a relatable character, even if he is a genie. And it has good messages about family, and finding courage to do the right thing.
2 people found this helpful
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Big Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book featuring a boy genie
Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2015
A boy genie? That's brilliant. Such a fun story. Great for my 4th and 5th graders.
4 people found this helpful
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Ady B
5.0 out of 5 stars Make more in this series!
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2015
I bought this book for my nephew (coincidentally named Zach) and it was a big hit! He said he hopes there will be more books in this series.
2 people found this helpful
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