Eat, Read, and Be Mommy

Gordon Korman’s Ungifted is the kind of ride that makes you laugh a lot but tear up a little; its sequel, Supergifted, is a near-perfect follow-up.  Donovan Curtis is back at his regular middle school after his memorable stint at the Academy for Scholastic Distinction, but bona fide genius Noah Youkilis has managed to get himself out of that Academy at last and is now Donovan’s classmate.  His social cluelessness might make you wince a bit, but watching him, Donnie, the head cheerleader, and the super-jock get tangled into a community-wide series of madcap events/situations/adventures makes for pure entertainment.  Donovan’s well-meaning impulses (and almost total lack of impulse control) ensure his likability as well as his relatability, making Supergifted an excellent pick for latter elementary and middle school readers.  If you’ve got a boy who’s hard to please, or a tween of either gender looking for a fun-filled read that stretches believability while firmly remaining in the realistic fiction/school story camp, Gordon Korman is a sure bet.

Really?  If you’re older, say in your (very!) late 30s, for instance, you may find him just as enjoyable.  Don’t miss out!