A.K.A. Genius - Young Readers Will Be Asking for More

A.K.A. Genius

If you have middle school readers in your home, you'll definitely want to check out today's Book Notes pick, A.K.A. Genius by Marilee Haynes. It's clear from reading this book that Marilee -- a mom of three herself -- knows what appeals to young readers. This is a story that is not only fun, but also a refreshing reminder of what's most important in life.

Here's an overview:

Thirteen-year-old Gabe Carpenter is just like any other middle-school boy at St. Jude Academy...well, except for the fact that based on his scores on some seventh grade test, he is considered a "genius" and is placed in an enrichment class with other gifted students. But he sure doesn't seem like a genius-after all, he can't even open his own locker and his brain stops functioning when Becca, his sister's best friend, comes around.

As if these problems aren't enough to deal with, he is convinced that one of his arms is longer than the other, he has yet to grow a mustache, and his second best friend is mad at him. Even worse, his nervousness causes some pretty embarrassing bodily functions. And at home, his dad expects him to be some kind of basketball star athlete instead of a science nerd who predicts the weather.

Join Gabe as he navigates the trying times of middle-school, wonders what it means to have brains, and learns what it truly means to be himself.

Themes include: self-acceptance, giftedness, and humor.

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