Ungifted series by Gordon Korman
Donovan Curtis is not the first student that teachers would describe as particularly "gifted." Impulsive: yes. Creative: certainly, in terms of developing unique ways of getting into trouble. Gifted: not the first word that comes to mind. So, when Donovan mistakenly ends up at the Academy for Scholastic Distinction in classes with kids who have IQs twice his own, he feels a little out of place. However, for the sake of his family and his dignity, he is determined to fit in. So what if he is not academically "gifted," Donovan brings his own strengths to the table.
Noah Youkilis has always been extraordinary. With an IQ over 200, he can perform complex calculations and analyses in his sleep; he can master any academic skill without even trying; but what he'd really like to perfect is the ability to be normal. Finally, Noah's chance has arrived, now that he has been given the chance to attend the "regular" middle school in his district. With Donovan's help and Noah's enthusiasm, what can go wrong?
Donovan Curtis is going to college--four whole years early! Noah Youkilis, the thirteen year old certified genius, has been accepted into Wilderton University, and he needs someone his age with him to help ease his transition from middle school into college. That's where Donovan comes in. Working as a camp counselor while Noah attends classes, Donovan does his best to make the most of his "free" time, which as it turns out is mostly spent keeping his campers--and Noah--out of trouble. It doesn't take a high IQ to know that this summer will be a chaotic one.
The first book in this series was one of my favorites growing up, and I think it is the strongest so far (although that could just be my nostalgia talking). Ungifted does a good job of recognizing that there are many different ways to be "gifted," you just need to give people the attention and space to show it. With Supergifted, Korman took a turn for the dramatic, upping the ante quite a bit, but still included a good message: if you give people a chance, they might surprise you. These first two books are all about perception--how people perceive others based on certain assumptions and how to cut through those assumptions and get to know the person underneath. Hypergifted is more of a story written for entertainment. Reading about Noah and Donovan getting into shenanigans on a college campus is fun, but there doesn't seem to be a deeper message--which is okay! Overall this series is a pretty fun ride for middle-grade readers (and fully grown adult me).
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