This book was all right, not great, but not bad either. The thing that kept it from getting more stars for me was that it simply didn't feel like a sequel to Ungifted. There were the same characters and settings, but if you didn't read the first book you could still understand this one. Also, Chloe, Abigail and the rest of the robotics were shoved to the sidelines in favour of spending more time with the Noah plot, and that kid seriously acted like he had no common sense AT ALL. Imagine a cross between Rapunzel on her first day out of the tower and Sheldon Cooper and ramp it up to eleven. That was Noah the entire time, and wow, did it start to wear after about halfway through.

I don't regret reading this, but I would have preferred a little more time with the robotics team, and especially between Chloe and Donovan, and less time on the whole "superkid" plot. It started to wear thin after a bit, although Korman did keep the twist hidden from the characters well. It was one of those situations where even though the reader could see it coming, the characters couldn't, and he pulled it off really well. ( )

After getting kicked out an elite school for gifted children, Noah is thrilled to be attending "regular" school and doing just averagely. However, his friend Donovan is scrambling to keep Noah protected from bullies and accidentally ends up in quite a pickle. The two boys struggle to maintain a lie that is supposed to help Donovan but is instead rocking their world.

Although this is a sequel to Korman's Ungifted, I found it read easily enough as a standalone book. The story is told in several different perspectives, with each chapter changing to a different student's point of view. (We hear from certain characters, like Donovan and Noah, more than others but many characters are given a chance to speak, including some of the female students.) This allows the reader to get a full range of diverse opinions and to see how the same event can be viewed differently depending on one's situation.

Throughout the book, intelligence is a big point, but Korman clearly subscribes to a theory of multiple intelligences. While Noah has a high IQ score, he is often seen as inept in terms of social interactions. On the flip side, while Donovan feels inferior when it comes to schoolwork, he is much better at navigating emotional landscapes. Other characters round out the picture with their own strengths and weaknesses.

Some of the characters are Jewish and there is one military family, but otherwise there is not much diversity here. However, given that none of the characters are explicitly described in terms of skin color, it's possible to imagine them in whichever way you'd like. Still, that's not super great for kids of color looking for characters like them in the books they read.

Overall though, this was a good read that allows upper elementary and middle grade readers to really think about positive attributes such as intelligence, bravery, optimism, and what those really mean and look like. It allows them to learn empathy and hopefully put it into practice in their own lives. However, no part of it is didactic; instead it is full of humor and excitement. It is a quick read despite its length and children ages 9 to 13 are sure to enjoy it. ( )

Fun middle-grade novel, sequel to Ungifted.

Donovan is back at Hardcastle Middle School where he belongs, along with super-genius Noah, who is reveling in being in a situation where he actually has to learn things. Things like negotiating middle school society, and like being a cheerleader when he is completely physically inept. When Donovan prevents a propane truck from crashing into the head cheerleader's house and panicks because he wasn't supposed to be in that neighborhood, Noah steps up to take the credit. Now hailed as "superkid," Noah is riding high. And riding for a fall. Donovan isn't jealous, exactly, but his reaction puts a strain on their friendship.

Appealing characters, realistic school and family dynamics, and over-the-top humor add up toa winning combination. Recommended for middle-sized kids and for adults who like middle-grade books. ( )