10 year old Liberty Aimes has never left her house at 33 Gooch Street. She is a virtual slave to her extremely overweight, spacey mother and her dreadful father, Mal, a self-described "friggin' genius." And because Mal is a genius, only he is allowed to leave the house. Liberty's search of the forbidden basement causes her to realize that Mal really is a genius, albeit an evil one. Mal has concocted talking animal potions and potions that allow one to float like a balloon. The flying potion helps Liberty escape and search for the elusive Sullivan School-a private boarding school she longs to attend. Along the way, Liberty has comical and sometimes frightening experiences that include kidnappers, talking animals, and circus performers. Throughout the adventure, Liberty never seems to lose her charm or humor. The black and white illustrations are a charming addition to this enjoyable read.