Fake Mustache by Tom Angleberger

Angleberger, T. (2012). Fake Mustache. New York, NY: Amulet Books.

Lenny Flem, Jr. is in seventh grade. Lenny narrates what happens when his classmate and supposedly best friend Casper Bengue gets his hands on this expensive fake mustache, to be exact a special mustache known as Heidelberg Handlebar #7. He turns out to be a villain and wants to take over the country. Somehow Casper knows of the remarkable properties of this mustache and he’s able to convince anyone once he puts it on. He tries to take over the state governor first and then moves on to the president. He’s able to gather a lot of money by robbing banks and by forming a group of mobsters, which become his sidekicks. It is up to Lenny along with his friend Jodie O’Rodeo to stop Casper, as Lenny is immune to the mustache and he’s the only one that knows the truth. It is up to them to save the day.

This is a fun book. I’m not used to reading books with a twist of humor, but I have to admit I liked it. My son and I really enjoyed it. I learned that middle school students think of books with humor as important as any other book. It is true that books tend to get more serious at the middle school level, but sometimes kids just want a good laugh. This was a story of mischief with a twist of humor. The story has a vivid plot and my son and I could identify with the characters. My son told me that he would like to be like Lenny and if something evil would try to hurt him or us he would also try to save us and save the day. The conflict between Lenny and Casper gets resolved in the end.

This book could make a great read-aloud story and the students could create a mustache and wear it as the story is read to them. Middle school students ages 11 through 13 (6^th and 7^th graders) would have a blast reading this book. Let’s not forget that although a bit more mature they are still kids. The book, Fake Mustache consists of 208 pages. If you like Tom Angleberger’s style of writing, perhaps you may also enjoy reading, Princess Labelmaker to the Rescue: An Origami Yoda Book.