Ungifted facts for kids
Ungifted cover
|
|
| Author | Gordon Korman |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Jonny Duddle |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's fiction |
| Publisher | HarperCollins, Balzer + Bray |
|
Publication date
|
18 February 2012 |
| Media type | Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook |
| Pages | 280 |
| ISBN | 978-0061742675 |
| Followed by | Supergifted |
Ungifted is an exciting children's book written by Gordon Korman in 2012. It tells the story from different characters' points of view in each chapter. The main character is Donovan Curtis, a kid who often gets into trouble. One day, a big prank goes wrong, and he accidentally ends up at a special school called the Academy of Scholastic Distinction (ASD). This school is for super smart and talented students. The book follows Donovan as he tries to keep his secret while also using his own unique skills to help his new, very brainy classmates.
A TV show based on Ungifted is being made and will be shown on Nickelodeon.
Contents
What Happens in Ungifted?
Donovan Curtis believes he isn't special or "gifted." He loves playing pranks and causing mischief. One day, he takes a prank too far. He hits a statue of Atlas, causing the big globe Atlas was holding to roll into the school gym. A basketball game is happening, and the gym gets completely wrecked. Luckily, no one gets hurt.
Donovan's Big Mistake
Dr. Schultz, the school district superintendent, sees the whole thing. He catches Donovan right away. But when he writes down Donovan's name, he accidentally puts it on the list for the Academy for Scholastic Distinction (ASD). This is a school for students who are extremely smart and talented.
Donovan knows he's in big trouble. He worries about adding more stress to his family. His older sister, Katie, is staying with them and is seven months pregnant. Katie's husband, Brad, is away with the Marines. To make things even more complicated, Katie's mother-in-law drops off Brad's dog. The dog seems sick at first, but it turns out she's pregnant! This dog only seems to like Donovan.
Life at the Academy
When Donovan finds out he's going to the ASD by mistake, he's thrilled! On his first day, he meets his new classmates. Some are annoyed by him, but others, like Chloe, a girl who likes normal things, quickly become his friends. Donovan tries to keep his secret at the Academy. Meanwhile, his teachers start to wonder if he really is a gifted student.
Donovan also joins the Robotics class, taught by his homeroom teacher, Mr. Osborne, who everyone calls Mr. Oz. Donovan helps name their robot "Tin Man Metallica SquarePants." He also gets his super-smart classmate, Noah, hooked on YouTube. Donovan shows his classmates how good he is at controlling the robot with a joystick.
Helping His New Friends
Eventually, Donovan learns that his classmates will have to go to summer school. They failed a class called Human Growth and Development. To help them, he convinces his sister, Katie, to teach the class. The school approves this plan. Later, during a school dance at the Academy, Donovan's friends from his old school, the Daniels, secretly take the robot. But Noah, who has learned about wrestling from YouTube, beats up one of them!
As the robotics team gets ready for a big tournament, Dr. Schultz finally discovers that Donovan is the boy who destroyed the gymnasium.
Main Characters
- Chloe Garfinkle
- Donovan Curtis
- Mr. Osborn (Mr. Oz)
- Dr. Schultz
- Abigail Lee
- Noah Youkilis
- The Daniels
- Katie Patterson
- Brad Patterson
- Ms. Bevelaqua
Awards and Recognitions
Ungifted has won several awards and been recognized for its great story:
- It won the 2014 Red Cedar Award (BC Young Readers' Choice).
- It was a finalist for the 2015 Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Readers' Choice.
- It was a finalist for the 2013 Snow Willow Award (Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice).
- It was a finalist for the 2013 Canadian Library Association Book of the Year For Children.
- It was a runner-up for the 2014 Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award.
- It was praised for the 2013 OLA Best 2020 Readers Award.
- It was also praised for the 2013 Best Books for Kids and Teens by the Canadian Children's Book Centre.
