Janitors: Strike of the Sweepers (Book #4)

Janitors: Strike of the Sweepers (Book #4) by Tyler Whitesides

"The stakes have never been higher, and you've never seen squeegees do this before! It is a wild and slightly unsanitary ride as Spencer, Daisy, and the Rebel Janitors find themselves chased by Mr. Clean's new and terrifying half-breed Toxites--the Sweepers. Time is short. With the fabled Manualis Custodem in hand, Spencer must figure out how to summon the Founding Witches if they ever hope to mop up and save education."

What a fun (and slightly disgusting) book! I have enjoyed this series, as have my boys (13 and 11), and this one does not disappoint! Beware: there's a lot of garbage, a porta-potty, a germ-filled bowling ball, lots of toilet paper, and maybe even a little magical dust. I love the new glopified inventions in this book; I think I need to stock up on squeegees and Windex! The characters, as always, are great. They can be a little cheesy at times, but they are also brave, witty, intelligent, creative, and well developed. I do not think I'll be able to buy anything labeled "Mr. Clean" again. Sorry to the real Mr. Clean, but the Mr. Clean in this book is not a good guy, to say the least. He definitely makes a fantastic villain. There are some new characters, some of the same, and we get to see the return of a few characters, which is always fun. The story is written well. There may have been a few stretches, but it's fantasy, right? Anything can happen! I love that when you're reading it there's never a question in your mind as to whether or not that could really happen.....in this world, it does happen and it's believable. That is the sign of a great author. Mr. Whitesides' writing is creative and fun, with just enough humor, wit, and action to keep the reader engaged throughout the entire book. Brandon Dorman's illustrations are, as always, amazing. There were a few twists and surprises in this book that......wow. Just wow. I never saw them coming! My boys are going to LOVE this book! It is a great middle-grade/early YA read. If you've read the first three, you need to read this one pronto! And if you haven't read any in this series, I definitely recommend it!

Rating: PG+ (It's clean-no profanity or "intimacy." However, at least two characters die, and those deaths are a little graphic. There's lots of Toxite-fighting as well.)

Recommendation: 3rd grade and up

Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.