The Curtain Went Up, My Pants Fell Down

By Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver

Rating: 3 3/4 stars

Reviewed by Noelle

This is book 11 in the Hank Zipzer series. Hank has been assigned a peer tutor in math--the perfect A student, Heather Payne. Although Hank is embarrassed by having to work with her, he ends up explaining to her his difficulties in math, and Heather is actually able to help him. But as usual, Hank is charging around, doing first and thinking second. In this case, Hank is inspired to try out for the part of the King of Siam in a school production of The King and I. Although he can't read the script, his improvisionational skills win the heart of the director. But Hank has trouble brewing, as always. Since Hank's last math test scored the grade of a D, Hank's father tells him he can only play the part of the king if he gets a B+ on his next math test. Will Heather's tutoring be enough to help him get the best grade he's ever gotten in math? And if he can be in the show, can a show starring Hank go smoothly? Fans will enjoy the quickly paced and funny story. A story with Hank may include some bumps, but fans can always count on a positive outcome.