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Frank Einstein and the Electro-Finger (Frank Einstein series #2): Book Two
Last updated Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Author: Jon Scieszka and Brian Biggs
Date of Publication:
ISBN: 141971483X
Grade Level: 4th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Oct. 2020
Synopsis:
Kid-genius and inventor Frank Einstein loves figuring out how the world works by creating household contraptions that are part science, part imagination, and definitely unusual. In the series opener, an uneventful experiment in his garage-lab, a lightning storm, and a flash of electricity bring Frank’s inventions - the robots Klink and Klank - to life! Not exactly the ideal lab partners, the wisecracking Klink and the overly expressive Klank nonetheless help Frank attempt to perfect his inventions. In this second book in the series, Frank is working on a revamped version of one of Nikola Tesla’s inventions, the "Electro-Finger," a device that can tap into energy anywhere and allow all of Midville to live off the grid, with free wireless and solar energy. But this puts Frank in direct conflict with Edison's quest to control all the power and light in Midville, monopolize its energy resources, and get "rich rich rich." Time is running out, and only Frank, Watson, Klink, and Klank can stop Edison and his sentient ape, Mr. Chimp!
| Note to readers: |
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This is the second book in the series, with little/no introduction of the characters. BE SURE TO READ THE SYNOPSIS (ABOVE) TO THE KIDS FIRST.
Also, you might consider alternating voices between reading partners. Also, there a lot of vocabulary words to review before/during reading.
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Hear and see the first 9 chapters of this book read aloud on YouTube by three of our volunteers, including a craft at the end!
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Who is Frank Einstein?
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What do you think he is doing on the cover? (building or repairing a robot?)
Vocabulary
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Einstein - Albert Einstein grew to be one of the most famous and clever scientists ever to have lived. Even as a young boy, Einstein showed he had a great mind for maths and sciences.
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hypothesis - A hypothesis is an educated guess, or a guess you make based on information you already know. After you make a hypothesis, then comes the really fun part: doing the science experiment to see what happens!
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static electricity - the result of an imbalance between negative and positive charges in an object. These charges can build up on the surface of an object until they find a way to be released or discharged. ... For example, if you rub your shoe on the carpet, your body collects extra electrons.
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electrons - The electron is a subatomic particle (so tiny you cannot see it and it cannot be broken down into anything smaller). It is negatively charged, and may move almost at the speed of light.
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bazooka - a very powerful weapon that shoots a rocket.
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turbine - an engine that turns fluid movement into energy.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Have you ever felt static electricity?
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Have you ever seen a windmill?
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Who is your favorite character in the book? Human? Robot? Chimpanzee?
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Which of the experiments/diagrams do you think is the most interesting?
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| Special activities: |
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There are lots of pictures of signing in the book and the alphabet on pg 149 (second pdf provided). Practice signing letters of the alphabet.
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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