Charlie Cliché�s Oft'told Tales - Series by Royal Fireworks Press

The power of science is not to be underestimated. "His Date for the Dance was His Science Project" is a story of school and Gilbert O'Shay, a science nerd who comes to the dance with a beautiful girl on his arm. The rumor mill sparks up, as the truth is slow to come out, in this story of Gilbert's friend, Charlie Cliche. "His Date for the Dance was His Science Project" is a fine read not to be overlooked for younger readers. Mid West Book Review

His Date for the Dance was his Science Project is a comedy/adventure tale of Gilbert O’Shay who is a genius, but so inept in social skills that he has to scientifically create a date for his school dance. Or so it would seem. Gilbert O’Shay is mercilessly persecuted for his eccentric appearance and character, but Charlie discovers his secret and hilarious project for getting even with the bullies. The school is agog with rumor, the denouement suitably satisfying.

The author says: “The purpose of the novel is to encourage boys and girls, from upper elementary grades through high school, to read. There is also a thread of values that runs through all my books. They deal with acceptance, tolerance, and open-mindedness, on many levels.”

This is the first of a series of short novels, based on the adventures of a “military brat”, Elmo Reginald Burfoot II, nicknamed: Charlie Cliché’. He is a boy who has to travel with his parents all over the world and has had to learn how to fit in at new schools without being bullied or ridiculed for his birth name. The best method he has found is to become a storyteller.

So much of being bullied stems from not being able to take control of the situation and students feel helpless and frustrated. In a book like this students begin to realize there are options and solutions but they must be a part of that process. There is more than one way to take control and often humor is the ‘the best medicine’. This is a book about kids and for kids in today’s world where we all need ‘a little help from our friends’.
Robert Bier, Reading Specialist with 33 years teaching experience.

From a reader: It is the kind of book that I couldn't guess the ending of. It also shows how mean people can be but i like that he is happy, although he still wants revenge. A very funny book. Rosie, age 12.

It was a great year, that year Charlie went to high school in the Denver area.  He had a turn at playing football for a legendary coach, and he made very, very good friends with a beautiful cheerleader.  He had an extraordinary English teacher and got one of his stories made into a play, which was performed.  He made many good friends, but he encountered unexpected problems.  

The football coach was abusive, and he did not like the English teacher.  The cheerleader and her family were loyal to the football coach, while Charlie preferred his English teacher, and divisions grew into wide chasms.