This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. In this eighth book, Sam and his friends keep getting into trouble. First, Sam is late to school, then Lucy slams a door, and Antonio trips his teacher. But none of this is their fault... It is all Orson Eerie's doing! The mad scientist is planning to strike once again -- at the annual Kickball Showdown! And he wants the hall monitors out of his way FOR GOOD. Will the principal fire them?! They need to come up with a plan FAST -- before the big game! This will be the friends' biggest, baddest, dustiest battle yet!