Troll Control (Gabby Duran Series #2)

by Elise Allen, Daryle Conners

Overview

Case File: The Second Unsittable

Summary: Here at A.L.I.E.N. we believe in strengthening the bonds between humans and intergalactics so that one day all beings can live together on Earth in harmony. That day has not come. But our Associates are working hard to achieve this goal, including Gabby Duran, Associate 4118-25125A, Sitter to the Unsittables.

Upon successfully completing her first mission, we have assigned Gabby a more . . . puzzling charge. The relationship between trolls and humans has always been rife with tension, and the troll family Gabby is assigned to is especially prickly. But Gabby is not fazed. Our footage shows Associate 4118-25125A playing, laughing, and snacking with Trymmy, the little troll boy, who seems to be thoroughly enjoying himself.

Our liason, Edwina, informed Gabby that trolls love nothing more than a riddle-and stealing items from unsuspecting humans to add to their trove-but Gabby's certain that all this young troll wants is to have fun. However, it might not be as simple as she thinks. After all, there's a reason this particular alien offspring has been labeled "Unsittable."

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781484709368
Publisher:	Disney Publishing Group
Publication date:	05/17/2016
Series:	Gabby Duran Series , #2
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.60(w) x 8.40(h) x 1.00(d)
Lexile:	810L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Emmy-nominated writer and New York Times best-selling author Elise Allen made a name for herself with her acclaimed young adult novel Populazzi (Harcourt), and the Jim Henson's Enchanted Sisters chapter books (Bloomsbury). She also co-wrote Hilary Duff's best-selling Elixir series (Simon and Schuster), and Bella Thorne's YA series, Autumn Falls (Random House). In television, she has written for talent ranging from Madeline Kahn to Kermit the Frog, and is currently writing for the Disney Junior show The Lion Guard. Her dog may or may not secretly be from another planet. You can find her online at www.eliseallen.com and on Twitter @EliseLAllen.



Daryle Conners is an award-winning writer, filmmaker and video game designer. She writes joke and riddle books and has designed many game titles for the PC and iPhone/iPad including Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Scene It? Harry Potter, Hot Wheels Slot Car Racers, and Scene It? Twilight Saga. Her non-fiction books include Lunchtime LOLZ, Nintendo DS Hot Tips, ROFLs, Video Game Secrets and Monster High Jokes. Daryle lives in Seattle, where she still babysits from time to time. You can follow her on Twitter @Darylec.

Editorial Reviews

01/01/2016
Gr 4–6—Gabby Duran, alien babysitter, confronts a new challenge in this latest installment in the series. She faces off with a family of trolls who like to steal things just for fun. Unfortunately, things take a turn for the worse when Gabby's knapsack is stolen by her charge. The protagonist's efforts to get it back lead her to break some rules that endanger her new position and even her memories. And her nemesis Madison makes things worse by threatening to destroy her reputation if Gabby doesn't help her with the orchestra fund-raiser. The fun details about all the objects the trolls have stolen (including Amelia Earhart's plane) and the fun games that Gabby plays with Trymmy add a creative touch to the story. VERDICT Imaginative details and an action-packed plot make this a fun read for sci-fi loving young readers.—Heidi Grange, Summit Elementary School, Smithfield, UT

School Library Journal

2015-11-11
Only two days after her first assignment for the Association Linking Intergalactics and Earthlings as Neighbors, 12-year-old Gabby Duran's cosmically renowned babysitting skills are called back into service. Ever enthusiastic, the "Sitter to the Unsittables" quickly befriends a lonely young troll whose penchant for thievery and riddles might just make Gabby the most hated member of the Brensville Middle School orchestra. Plucky, positive, and peppy, Gabby remains a one-dimensional yet likable protagonist. Unfortunately for her and for readers, this follow-up to Gabby Duran and the Unsittables (2015) isn't all that…adventurous. Most of the novel centers on Gabby's desperate efforts to recover a rare book to be auctioned off to raise funds for the orchestra, all while trying to adhere to strict policies designed to protect A.L.I.E.N.'s secrecy. She risks termination, but there's no bounty on her head. There are no dark agents hot on her trail. The stakes somehow feel lower this time around, and both tension and intrigue suffer. While the cast of secondary characters remains largely underutilized, one of the best parts about this sequel is that Gabby's best friend, Zee, is given a slightly larger role than before. With her love of science and gadgetry, Zee is perfectly suited to take part in the alien escapades and to remind preteen readers that it's cool for girls to be passionate about STEM. A mostly lukewarm second outing. (Science fiction. 7-12)

Kirkus Reviews

"[N]ail-bitingly suspenseful. . . .The action is zippy, and there is effective humor built in to balance Gabby’s trials. . . .Sitters, take note: even if your charges aren’t as unusual as Gabby’s, there are plenty of cool ideas to borrow here about the perfect babysitting backpack that will save all sorts of situations."—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Imaginative details and an action-packed plot make this a fun read."—School Library Journal

PRAISE FOR GABBY DURAN AND THE UNSITTABLES

"Positively intergalactic."—Kirkus Reviews

PRAISE FOR GABBY DURAN AND THE UNSITTABLES

“Goofy inventions, wild plot, and peppy dialogue… [A] briskly plotted crowd-pleaser.”—Booklist

PRAISE FOR GABBY DURAN AND THE UNSITTABLES

“The humorous details and quick plot make this a fun book for reluctant and avid readers alike.”—School Library Journal

From the Publisher