Staff Review: "Ungifted" by Gordon Korman

Donovan Curtis is an average student with a self-control issue.  He is completely "Ungifted."  He's no stranger to punishment, thanks to his friends' dares and an intense love of pranking.  But when he destroys his school's expensive bronze statue and gymnasium, he knows it will be worse than anything he's experienced before.  The superintendent of the school district take Donovan to his office, but instead of writing his name down for later punishment, he writes Donovan's name on a list of gifted students.  Before he realizes what's going on, Donovan is moved to the Academy of Scholastic Distinction in a class full of geniuses.  His friends and family are not convinced that he has an above average intelligence.  He's failing miserably in every class but needs to stay at his new school to hide from the superintendent.  He may not be learning academics at his new school, but Donovan learns about teamwork and friendship.  In return, he teaches the gifted students that it's okay to have fun and get into a little trouble. 

Gordan Korman wrote his first book at only 12 years old, and was published when he was 14.  His goal when writing books is simply to entertain, and he will not disappoint you.  He has written over 70 books, including the popular  "39 Clues" series.  I recommend this book to students who enjoy mischief, fans of Dan Gutman or Andrew Clements, readers of Walter Dean Myers Cruisers series; it's best suited for middle grade students ages 10 and up.

--Angie R., Headquarters