Review Detail

Theodora Hendrix And The Curious Case of the Cursed Beetle is a fun sequel in the Theodora trilogy by Jordan Kopy. I enjoy the play on names, such as Grimeny Cricket and Sir Pumpkin de Patch, that we encounter with the monsters. The illustrations are fun, but also make a great tool for students transitioning to longer chapter books.
Theodora is in more danger than ever as the MLM sends an investigator to determine if her found family is in trouble for keeping her since she is human. Additionally, the school principal is sinister and imposes numerous restrictive rules that will make the school unbearable for the students. The themes of this book inspire room for conversation beyond the plot, for example, when and how do you protest unjust rules to keep them from making life worse for the majority?
I like Dexter’s character. He is shy with anxiety to the point of stuttering, but his heart is true and loyal. The principal tries many times to get him to rethink his friendship with Theodora and her ‘bad influence,’ but he never lets that stop him from helping his friend.
Overall, this second book of the trilogy uses humor and heart to make a not-so-scary story about monsters. This is perfect for fans of Vampirina who are now ready for a longer story.