I do not know where Charles Gilman got the idea for this series but I praise him. Substitute Creature is as good as, if not better than the previous books in the series. My daughters have both loved reading the series. Robert is the hero and this time he is saving his mother and class mates from being eaten by the Old Ones.

This didn’t let us down at all. The main characters are growing up in front of our very eyes, having read all of the series you will notice this.

The book cover is fantastic and certainly a selling point directed at children. It’s creepy but not enough to cause bad nightmares and full of adventure.

It was well written and the illustration is brilliant. I have a 7 and 16 year old and they have both read it cover to cover and asked if there will be another book. ( )

After book #3, I was wondering how long the stories would continue before readers are provided with answers/solutions. I'm glad to see that Gilman is continuing to move the story line along, providing more information and resolving various plot points, without yet ending the series. Each book reveals enough new information about the overarching plot that readers don't get frustrated, while leaving enough unanswered for future books to come.

Note: I received this book through the Goodreads First Reads program. ( )

These books are awesome - The whole family enjoys them... Recommended as a great fantasy series for anyone's bookshelf. ( )

Hands down to this amazing author! Not having read the previous books myself, I found this one really easy to get into and the storyline was so rich and wonderful, I actually felt like I had read them. Definitely recommend this book to anyone, child or adult, who is looking for a fun, quick, paranormal-ish read. It was amazing.

I'd like to thank Library Thing's Early Reviewer Program for giving me this book. I delayed a while with the review, but I finally posted it.

AHH! I thought I wrote a review for this already! Ooops!

Hands down this is one of the best children's series ever. Yup. I said it. And the best part is, you can pick up any book and start from there. You don't need to have read the previous books to enjoy it.

I did email the author recently, asking where the 5th one was because this one ended on such a cliffhanger. He said hopefully later this year. I am so waiting for it.

When I eventually have children, I can't wait to read this to them. ( )

A snowstorm traps students of Lovecraft Middle School through the night. Robert and Glenn fight against the evil Mr Tillinghast and his monsters with the help of a ghost and 2 headed rat.

I haven't read the others in the series and not sure if this would have increased the likeability for me. ( )

Out of the four books - I think I enjoyed this one the most. It started out with some good thrills and just kept moving along with them till the end with a great shocker! I'm excited for the next one and so is my nephew. This line of books is really keeping him interested and being short/action packed enough to keep his attention the whole book. ( )

This is the second Early Reviewer book I've received from Quirk Books and I must say this publisher's production quality is fantastic. Substitute Creature is beautiful hardcover with a a fun holographic cover. Quirk spends money to put out a lovely product. And the content isn't shabby either. Substitute Creature is the fourth in the Tales from Lovecraft Middle School series written by Charles Gilman and the first I've read. It's a fun YA read about two middle schoolers who have to fight off monsters of various kinds who keep trying to disrupt the school. It's a fun story with likeable, amusing characters and a nice creepy element. Nicely done! 4.125/5 ( )

Creepy Fun! I give it 4.5 Stars!

What I liked: The book opened with a great hook – the MCs, Robert and Glenn, in a perilous situation. I wasn’t sure how it would be reading the fourth book in a series (not having read any of the others), but I did not feel lost. The author gives you bits throughout, so you learn about the alternate dimension of Tillinghast Manor, where the creatures come from, and that the MCs are fighting against the evil from it.

It was an easy and fun read. Great for elementary and middle school kids. I wondered if it would be scary, but it’s wasn't. It gives just enough "bizarre" to be really interesting, but nothing gory that would cause children to have nightmares.

Loved the front cover (the teacher-turning-to-creature hologram effect). That in itself is a GREAT hook for kids who want a scare!

Loved, loved, LOVED the artwork throughout (illustrated by Eugene Smith).

What I didn’t like: I’d like to know the characters a little better. They are somewhat flat. What do they like? What do they feel and hope and dream? Maybe readers get to know them better in the previous books and therefore it isn’t necessary in Book Four, but since I haven’t read the other books, I don’t know.

Overall: Kids will like this book...and they will want to read the others. It's just the right amount of creepy fun to bring you back for more! ( )

This is the fourth book in the TALES FROM LOVECRAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL series, and as I expected, it delights. The series begins with PROFESSOR GARGOYLE. Each hardcover features a lenticular image that shifts a normal teacher or student into his/her/their demonic alter egos, an image that foreshadows the story within. The premise: Robert Arthur is moved to Lovecraft Middle School, a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility built over the old Tillinghast Mansion site. Oops. Naturally, a connection to the old mansion (which mysteriously disappeared with its inhabitants) still exists, and even more naturally, Robert is the one to find it. In this installment, it is nearly Valentine's Day and Lovecraft Middle School, among other more supernatural occurrences, also has to deal with a blizzard. It's Robert to the rescue, along with his best friend (and former bully), his two-headed rat, and a ghost. There are plenty of otherworldly creatures and mild scares, making this an excellent readaloud for a Lovecraft-fan parent to his/her horror-loving child. If you've read Lovecraft, the references will tickle you, but you won't be lost if you haven't.

Highly recommended for reluctant readers who need a page-turner, anyone who enjoys horror, and boys who only like books with boy protagonists.

Source disclosure: I received a copy of this book courtesy of the publisher. ( )

Review based on ARC.

Yes, best yet. I know I said that about the last one, but *fortunately* they keep getting better! I'm ever impressed with Gilman's ability to creep in so few pages. This is, as with the others in the series, a book aimed at a 7/8-12 year old audience. And definitely kids with a stronger stomach and a penchant for the creepy.

This one is creepiest yet. Robert and Glenn continue their adventures with the Tillinghast mansion and the Lovecraft middle school which they both attend. They find a new portal to the mansion that... lands them in a difficult situation. Caught by the janitor after their near escape, Robert and Glenn find themselves making up stories to avoid having to explain the truth, which adults clearly never believe in these stories. The janitor, however, tells Robert he will tell his mother (now the nurse at the school), and Robert sees problems on the horizon. Before Maniac Mac has a chance to tell Robert's mother, however, there is declared a weather emergency as a blizzard finds itself centered over Lovecraft and the school is sent home.

Robert and his mother are, of course, last to leave since she is seeing to the well-being of the kids, and they ultimately find themselves caught in a place they'd rather not be, joined by Karina, Miss Carcasse (heh heh) the substitute librarian, Maniac Mac, and other creatures from ... other places.

And that is saying enough! The story is creepy enough, Miss Carcasse is creepy enough, and we meet an individual who has heretofore been only discussed in the 3rd person! I like that Gilman continues his overall plot with each book.

My only complaint is really that the book is REALLY aimed at a younger audience. It's a simple book with a simple plot and simple prose. Although the story is something that could be made into a young adult or adult novel with some real bite, Gilman is writing for the younger audience. Yeah, that's not really a criticism of the book, just a complaint in my favor. ;)

I have sent, given, and recommended this book to many kids in my life.
FOUR AND A HALF out of five stars.

This and other reviews can be found at AllBookReviewer.blogspot.com ( )

Lovely middle school tale in the tradition of R.L. Stine. Any self-respecting middle school student would love this book. I enjoyed it myself. ( )

Another success in the Lovecraft Middle School series! As a librarian, I am pleased to see this series becoming more and more popular with the Juvenile Fiction set, mainly those in high levels of grade school. It is unique enough not to be considered a "rip off" of other series, and the stories will appeal to both girls and boys. Recommended for any middle level reader! ( )

The story was a fun read, the horror element was not overplayed in a manner that one might expect for it to induce nightmares among its intended audience, and so long as one doesn't worry overmuch about what moral lessons a child might perceive about hiding lessons from adults as one perhaps overcautious reviewer suggested, this seems like a good series for any young reader with an interest in horror/fantasy. While I haven't read the first three volumes in the series, I would likely rather enjoy doing so, and probably would enjoy reading the series through to its conclusion. The story was paced fairly well, the personalities of the characters seemed sufficiently developed in the brief span of the book, and it seems like a story that young readers could enjoy without feeling overly challenged by, which I think is important in cultivating an actual enjoyment of reading in children. Not everything has to have moral lessons or advanced vocabulary, sometimes you want them to just sit down and enjoy a good read, and I think this may be just the sort of book for that purpose. ( )

For young readers, especially those who like Goosebumps and Fear Street, should take a look at the TALES FROM LOVECRAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL young adult series. However, although it says "young adult series", I feel this is better suited to those on the younger end or whose reading level is not advanced. For that, I would agree with other reviewers that Gaiman and Harry Potter books are more their speed.

This is an entertaining and short read that along with a stack of similar reads, will be great for traveling, camping, or taking along when having to spend time in a waiting room. ( )

My name is Wallace McBride, and I am not the target audience for SUBSTITUTE CREATURE.

This problem might not be the fault of the story, which is the fourth installment in Quirk Books' TALES FROM LOVECRAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL young adult series. The concept of the "young adult" novel is something that baffles me as a reader, and adding a horror element only makes the idea even more dubious. YA books exist in a literary twilight zone that provides uncomplicated, quasi-adult stories to younger readers who aren't quite ready to go full Cormac McCarthy. It's "literature" in the same way that Disney Channel programming is "drama."

At least, that was my understanding of YA books before cracking the spine of SUBSTITUTE CREATURE. For better or worse, my opinion of YA books hadn't changed when I'd finished the story later that same day. Anyone with the comprehension skills needed to read this book should kick off the training wheels and grab the first Neil Gaiman book they find.

To its credit, my ignorance of the first three novels wasn't much of an obstacle in understanding SUBSTITUTE CREATURE. The book does an admirable job of bringing you up to speed on the characters and their relationships, filling in the gaps organically as the story progresses. By this point in the series, the book's central characters have grown accustomed to the weird happenings at Lovecraft Middle School. Monsters, spirits, sorcerers and other assorted beasties are part of the daily curriculum at the troubled school. The series follows the adventures of a bland protagonist named Robert Arthur, who keeps among his circle of confidants the ghost of a 13-year-old girl, a former bully and a two-headed rat. And that's as apt a metaphor for middle school as I've ever seen.

When a freak snowstorm dumps several feet of snow exclusively on the school's hometown of Dunwich, Mass., Robert and his pals find themselves trapped at the school with a shady substitute teacher and a legion of monsters roaming the grounds. It's an unsophisticated story with an unsophisticated narrative, but moves along at such a brisk clip that it might not matter to the kids expected to read this kind of book. It's more fantasy than horror, and not likely to haunt the dreams of many children.

The book suffers from many of the same problems as J.K. Rowling's superior HARRY POTTER series: Child protagonists with wisdom and language skills far beyond their years, who keep secrets from adults for no other reason that to keep the story moving forward. These "secrets" are also a little troubling, but for reasons hopefully not intended by author Charles Gilman. A common problem in adventure stories featuring young protagonists is the challenge of keeping adults out of the mix. Authority figures will rightfully attempt to solve the story's conflict as a means to keep children out of danger, robbing young heroes of a complete narrative arc. The trick is to keep adults at bay without making them look stupid ... and without making the kids look like liars.

SUBSTITUTE CREATURE doesn't exactly stick the landing, in this regard. There's no obvious reason why the book's young heroes hide the truth about the school from authority figures, and the message here is troubling: If it's OK for kids to lie to their parents about an otherworldly wizard trying to murder them (and a lot of other people), what else is OK to lie about? Verbal abuse? Physical abuse? Sexual abuse? There's something unintentionally gross about the situations presented in SUBSTITUTE CREATURE, and none of them have to do with magic and monsters.

Again, SUBSTITUTE CREATURE wasn't intended for me. It's possible, even probable, that I'm comparing apples to oranges by expecting adult melodrama from a book aimed at children. Am I missing the point here? Does it even matter?

Source: http://www.collinsporthistoricalsociety.com/2013/10/book-report-substitute-creat... ( )

When I received this book the first thing I noticed was the holographic cover. All three of my kids loved this cover and spent several minutes just playing around with that. I read the book first and was able to finish it in about an hour (however, I tend to be a fairly fast reader). I enjoyed the book and decided that I had no problems with reading it to my kids.

I have three children, 1 boy (age 7) and 2 girls (ages 11 and 9). All three of them enjoyed the book a lot, and I have been asked to add the first three books to their Christmas wishlist! Even my 7 year old (who has ADHD) sat still and listened every time I read a chapter! The only complaint from any of them came from the 7 year old who says that the book needs more pictures "at least one every chapter". I highly recommend this book to anyone with kids, as well as anyone who is interested in horror fiction. The Lovecraft ties were clear and delightful! Two thumbs way up! ( )

An unexpected blizzard has left members of Lovecraft Middle School snowbound. Robert, his mother, "Maniac" Mac the janitor, Karina (a ghost who is trapped in LMS, regardless of weather) and the extra creepy Miss Carcasse are trapped for the night in the powerless building that also happens to double as a portal into the hell dimension of Tillinghast Mansion. Safe and sound, right? Who are we kidding, these people are doomed.

Mr. Gilman continues his streak of creeptastic middle grade horror that would make any "Goosebumps" fan jump out of their seat. I've enjoyed the trajectory of the series so far, and I'm looking forward to what will come next.

A note: That cover is terrifying. I was fine with a demon teacher, snake-headed twins and Bug Boy, but Wide-Awake-Cadaver-Teacher is too much for me. Every time I put the book down, I had to put it face down. Don't want to accidentally get a gander at that. Of course, all of this practically ensures that my kids are going to love it. ( )

This is just the kind of spooky series I enjoyed as a kid (and still enjoy now!). I must admit, this was the first book I have read so far from the series and I really hate when I can't start at the beginning. Although I was able to follow the storyline I'm sure there were details I missed. I definitely plan to go back to books 1-3.

This was a quick, fun read with a catchy black and white drawing in each chapter. The action starts on the first page with students from Lovecraft Middle School stranded on a snowy building ledge. A blizzard has trapped them along with some mysterious creatures. The characters are clever and brave exciting adventures. This ends with a good set up for another book. Great covers too!

Thank you to LibraryThing for an arc in exchange for my honest review. ( )

This is the second book I have received in this series and I have enjoyed each book very much. Aimed at kids who are in middle school, this is a good introduction to horror stories for young kids. The stories are about a middle school attended by Robert Arthur. He and his friends Glenn and Karina are trying to keep Crawford Tillinghast from hatching his dastardly plot to bring evil into our world. The middle school is built on his land and has several doors into his world. In this book, Robert is trying to survive a blizzard with his friends and trying to keep old ones from entering our world. This is a fun series and I hope Gilman writes more ( )

Middle school students Robert Arthur, Glenn Torkells, and Karina Ortiz, the school ghost, have returned in the fourth installment of the Tales from Lovecraft Middle School series. Lovecraft Middle School is not just any ordinary school. It was built upon the remains of Tillinghast Mansion, the home of renowned mad scientist Crawford Tillinghast. The school grounds contain hidden portals to other dimensions, and the school itself is teeming with demons, monsters, creatures, and an assortment of creepy crawly insects. While seventh graders Robert and Glenn have survived several near-death experiences over the past few months, nothing can prepare them for their current adventure.

It’s Valentine’s Day and the school has a special treat for the students; it’s a surprise concert. When Glenn notices that the choir robes look mysteriously like the garments worn by Tillinghast’s servants, they find themselves stepping through another portal and into a new adventure. Just then a blizzard suddenly descends upon their town trapping Robert and a few others inside. Faced with freezing temperatures, little food, and no electricity, the trio of friends must confront a mysterious substitute teacher and the most frightening monsters they have encountered so far. Before all is said and done, Robert will be faced with the most difficult choice of his life, and their lives will be changed forever.

The Bottom Line: The fourth book in the series is just as fun and full of adventure as the previous installments. Authentic characters and dialogue make this book appealing to both boys and girls in grades 4 – 7. Author Charles Gilman expertly weaves the themes of friendship and teamwork into the story. While illustrator Eugene Smith’s black and white pencil drawings are spot-on.

Although there are references to the previous adventures, young readers can dive right into this installment without having read the other books in order. This very quick read is highly recommended for kids who enjoy monsters, horror, and adventure fiction. ( )

Robert and Glenn are students at the mysterious Lovecraft Middle School where nothing is normal. A snowstorm comes from out of nowhere stranding them in the school with unthinkable creatures and a choice to make. Made me want to read the first three books. ( )

Interesting story of monsters and mystery at Lovecraft Middle School. Buddies Robert and Glenn face danger in their new school built on the site of the old Tillinghast Mansion. They are friends with a ghost named Karina. A freak snowstorm puts everyone in danger. Almost everyone survives and the story ends with a cliffhanger. Enjoyable. ( )

Robert, Glen, and Karina are back to fight the forces of the evil Crawford Tillinghast. As an unexpected and bizarre nor'easter dumps feet of snow on the school rapidly, a state of emergency is declared. An evacuation of Lovecraft Middle is called for, yet not all of the students get out.

Aside from some issues with paragraph and page spacing causing occasional distractions, the remaining format with the pictures and sketches interspersed cause wonder and add to the intrigue of some of the various characters.

The narrative is vivid and imaginative throughout the tale. There is much action which flows easily and quickly.

Dialogue between characters is authentic and adds to character development.

Overall, a delightful read! ( )

Best friends Robert Arthur and Glenn Torkells know, and have seen first-hand, the creepy side of Lovecraft Middle School. It has entry gates into evil dimensions and is home to The Old Ones and their leader, Crawford Tillinghast. Only these two boys, and their ghostly good friend, Karina know about the dastardly intents of this evil monster...or, so they think.

When a record-breaking nor'easter hits their town, they sense that the Substitute Creature, Miss Carcasse has something to do with it. Miss Carcasse has plotted to trap the boys, Karina, Mrs. Arthur (Robert's mom), and Mac, the janitor in the building overnight. But, why? Oh...the evilness of it all! The Old Ones haven't eaten anything in a very long time and these lovely human specimens are just the tastiest morsel going.

Full of creepy humor, Substitute Creature finds these young heroes with plenty of dilemmas, yet, it's their quick thinking and plotting that gets them all out alive...but, for how long? What will the Tillinhast monsters think up next? Perfect for a not-too-scary story during October, or any time a reader wants to curl up under the covers and conjure up a monstrously creepy read!

Thank you to LibraryThing, Charles Gilman, and Quirk Books for this ARC copy! ( )