Hi!
Today, I’m reviewing two fairly new children’s fiction books, Ungifted by Gordon Korman and On the Road to Mr. Mineo’s by Barbara O’Connor. What drew me to them both were their fantastic covers! I loved the use of that aqua blue, and the robot and bird had me wondering what the stories were about. What books have you been reading lately?
Ungifted by Gordon Korman
Summary: The word gifted has never been applied to a kid like Donovan Curtis. It’s usually more like Don’t try this at home. So when the troublemaker pulls a major prank at his middle school, he thinks he’s finally gone too far. But thanks to a mix-up by one of the administrators, instead of getting in trouble, Donovan is sent to the Academy of Scholastic Distinction (ASD), a special program for gifted and talented students. It wasn’t exactly what Donovan had intended, but there couldn’t be a more perfect hideout for someone like him. That is, if he can manage to fool people whose IQs are above genius level. And that becomes harder and harder as the students and teachers of ASD grow to realize that Donovan may not be good at math or science (or just about anything). But after an ongoing experiment with a live human (sister), an unforgettably dramatic middle-school dance, and the most astonishing come-from-behind robot victory ever, Donovan shows that his gifts might be exactly what the ASD students never knew they needed.
{kindly taken from Amazon}
My Thoughts: I really liked this story. Similar to Stuart Gibbs and Jack D. Ferraiolo, Gordon Korman wrote an engaging story that’s sure to please both boys and girls alike! Donovan has always been a prankster, but nothing has compared to his latest stunt, knocking down the school statue that ruins the gym. Due to a mix-up, however, Donovan doesn’t get in trouble, instead, he gets rewarded. At ASD, the school for gifted students, Donovan doesn’t fit in at all. And that’s why I liked him. He was the misfit. The underdog. And, as the reader, you soon begin to care for him and you’ll realize he always has good intentions. I thought he was pretty well-developed, and I think his narration parts {as there are multiple narrators} will resonate with a good chunk of the audience.
One thing I didn’t like was how stereotypical the gifted students and schools were portrayed. You had the classic nerd, who knew nothing of the social world, and the overachiever, who would do anything to get an A+. Even SSD was constantly being compared to Donovan’s old school! I just wish the author took this opportunity to nix the common view on smarter kids compared to “normal” ones. Overall, though, this was not a bad book, and I would definitely recommend it!
Pros: Engaging story and a strong main character.
Cons: Stereotypical characters.
Heads Up: Nothing, in my opinion.
Overall: I give it 4 stars {****} and I recommend it for ages 10 and up.
On the Road to Mr. Mineo’s by Barbara O’Connor
Summary: Summer days drift by slowly in Meadville, South Carolina–that is, until Sherman the one-legged pigeon flies into town and causes a ruckus. First Stella, who’s been begging for a dog, spots him on top of a garage roof and decides she wants him for a pet. Then there’s Ethel and Amos, an old couple who sees the pigeon in their barn keeping company with a little brown dog that barks all night. The pigeon lands smack in the middle of Mutt Raynard’s head, but he’s the town liar, so no one believes him. And when Stella’s brother Levi and his scabby-kneed, germ-infested friends notice the pigeon, they join the chase, too. Meanwhile, across town, Mr. Mineo has one less homing pigeon than he used to…
{kindly taken from Amazon}
My Thoughts: I loved Barbara O’Connor’s books in the past, {Greetings from Nowhere and How to Steal a Dog are a couple of my faves.} so I was excited to read her newest book that came out in October, On the Road to Mr. Mineo’s. A one-legged pigeon has kept everyone on lookout lately, because they all have a reason to catch him. In such a short story, {this one is just under 200 pages} it’s important that the story gets the point across, while still keeping the reader entertained. Barbara O’ Connor was successful in that, especially because of the quirky cast of characters she created. I loved Stella and Gerald! Their polar opposite personalities made for some very funny chapters :) Ethel’s determination was something I admired, and I liked Mr. Mineo’s gruff way of saying that he missed his pigeon. Anyhoo, the bottom line is with a dozen or so developed characters,your story will be on its way!
The plot moved quickly, in part because of the short chapters. The ending was a nice way to tie everything up, and I liked how the characters were all in the same scene together. Some parts dragged on a little bit, but nothing too bad. Overall, this was a darling book that any elementary school reader will enjoy!
Pros: Really fun and well-developed characters.
Cons: Some chapters dragged on, just a bit.
Heads Up: Nothing!
Overall: I give it {**** 1/2} stars and I recommend it for ages 9 and up.
Have a happy Sunday!
Bella :)
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