The Mysterious Matter of I. M. Fine

By Diane Stanley

Kids suffer strange effects after reading a popular book series. Is the author to blame?

3.7/5 Goodreads · 393 ratings

208 pages· 38,534 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

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Bookroo's summary

Franny's little sister ends up in the hospital after reading the latest Chillers book. With kids nationwide experiencing bizarre symptoms, Franny suspects the elusive author, I. M. Fine, is behind it all. Teaming up with her friend Beamer, she embarks on a quest to uncover the truth. Are the books truly dangerous, or is something more sinister at play? As they delve deeper, Franny must confront the chilling possibility that fiction might just be reality. Can they stop the chaos before it's too late?

From the publisher

It started with jelly worms…Kids all over the country are acting strangely after reading the latest books in the mega-popular Chillers series. First, it’s the seemingly innocent Jelly Worm fad. But it quickly turns sinister, with exploding headaches sweeping the nation, and then a serpent surprise that lands several kids, including Franny’s little sister, in the hospital.Franny is convinced that I. M. Fine, author of the Chillers books, is behind it. With the help of her friend Beamer, she is determined to track down the mysterious author and find out once and for all if the books really are causing all the trouble. After all, a book can’t be that dangerous, can it?

At a glance

Format: Paperback
Pages: 208
Words: 38,534
Reading age: 9–12
Audience: Middle Grade
Lexile: 650L

Themes & topics

Books about magic Books about books and reading

For the grown-ups

The parent guide

What families may want to know

Every family reads differently. These are the concepts our editors noticed in this book — worth seeking out for some readers, worth knowing about for others. The list isn't exhaustive, but it's a spoiler-light head start.

Scary Villains and Characters

The characters experience some slightly frightening things, like classmates slithering and hissing on the ground. Many students read horror stories that also mention things like heads that explode.

Sex

As a student slithers on the ground her skirt gets caught and her underwear shows.

For readers who can't stop at one