Ungifted

UngiftedBy Gordon Korman

Donovan Curtis is the class clown and the first to cause mayhem and destruction in Hardcastle Middle School.  With the assistance of his two best friends, both named Daniel, Donovan has raised the ire of teachers, principals and even students.  Known for his antics, Donovan is definitely not academically inclined.

When Donovan accidentally causes real destruction (costing in the neighbourhood of $20, 000), he is caught by Dr. Schultz, the District Superintendent.  Through a series of mishaps, Donovan gets away and is mistakenly admitted to the Academy of Scholastic Distinction where Dr. Schultz will never find him!

Both teachers and students notice immediately that Donovan is not gifted in the same ways they are.  He’s not good at math, science, English or social studies.  But the students notice something else too — unlike them, Donovan is normal.  He knows how to have fun, play video games and search YouTube.  The gifted students adopt Donovan as one of their own, and despite his misgivings about the “nerds” in the gifted program, he becomes their friend.

At the biggest academic event of the year, the Robotics Competition, Donovan will be an integral team member.  But he knows he can’t hide from Dr. Schultz forever.  Will he make it through the competition without getting caught?  Or will this year’s Robotics Competition be a showdown unlike anything his town has ever seen?

Gordon Korman has written over 70 books for children.  His school stories are realistic and very funny.  Ungifted is classic Korman – don’t miss it!