Ready for Action (Toy Academy #2) by Brian Lynch, Edwardian Taylor
Published by Scholastic Press on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 1338149164
Pages: 192
Goodreads

Another addition in the Toy Academy series, Ready for Action is funny, witty and perfect for adventure-driven readers who are looking to experiment with a novel instead of their go-to graphic novel.  Black and white illustrations accompany each page, chapters are short and the story is just silly-enough to keep readers giggling as they find out what will happen next.  Grumbolt, a short cuddly stuffed animal, has been given admittance to Toy Academy to train to protect fellow toys from villains and enemies to Toy World. Grumbolt, along with good friend Micro and least-favorite person Rex Everything, compete through a variety of challenges to prove their metal to Professor Goldhawk.  On one particular training day, students get to find out who will be their sidekick. Grumbolt’s joy soon evaporates when he discovers that Goldhawk gave him the role of sidekick to Rex Everything.  Rex is mean and self-centered and rather than work together to be a great team, Rex lets Grumbolt know in no uncertain terms that he is inferior and useless.  Grumbolt is disheartened but when Toy Academy is attacked by Tempest Boomcloud, a discontinued toy, Grumbolt actually does quite a bit to save the day, earning Rex’s respect and friendship.  A light-hearted, quick read, students who enjoy the Toy Story franchise will love this look into the secret world of toys.  A good addition to all middle grade collections.  

Reviewed by Suzanne Dix, Westbrook Middle School