Sam Bunch's life gets really strange when he moves into a new apartment building in the first installment of this wacky fantasy-adventure series perfect for newly independent readers!Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!Sam Bunch's life is pretty normal. That is, until his family moves to the Oddly Apartments, where he quickly realizes that things are a little bit... strange. His new friend Maxine helps him navigate the unpredictable elevators and introduces him to Gerald the talking llama... or is it his evil twin, Wesley? And that's all before Sam spies the rats wearing capes! Can Sam and Maxine find out what's going on with these mysterious Rats of Destiny, and can they do it in time for Sam's afternoon nachos with his grandma?With engaging black-and-white artwork on every page, plenty of humor, and edge-of-your-seat chapter endings, kids won't be able to put down this page-turning story!