What do you think?
Rate this book
Biggest Fake in the Universe
The bluff of a lifetime…
It started off innocently enough. Mo just wanted to catch a girl’s eye. She was this super-talented and mysterious skater girl who looked like she had the universe all figured out. So Mo did what any self-respecting nerd would He put aside his chess pieces and his books on astronomy and transformed himself into a skater guy, in the hopes that she might notice him.
He never expected to catch the attention of his entire town, practically all of Sweden, and the internet. But that’s exactly what happens when Mo—by a stroke of total luck—pulls off the skateboarding trick of a He goes viral.
What’s a guy to do when the whole universe is expecting him to be something he’s not? Find out in this charming and hilarious story as Mo learns the meaning of being true to yourself…the hard way.
It started off innocently enough. Mo just wanted to catch a girl’s eye. She was this super-talented and mysterious skater girl who looked like she had the universe all figured out. So Mo did what any self-respecting nerd would He put aside his chess pieces and his books on astronomy and transformed himself into a skater guy, in the hopes that she might notice him.
He never expected to catch the attention of his entire town, practically all of Sweden, and the internet. But that’s exactly what happens when Mo—by a stroke of total luck—pulls off the skateboarding trick of a He goes viral.
What’s a guy to do when the whole universe is expecting him to be something he’s not? Find out in this charming and hilarious story as Mo learns the meaning of being true to yourself…the hard way.
192 pages, Hardcover
Published August 1, 2025
592 people are currently reading
5303 people want to read
About the author
Johan Rundberg
30 books121 followersJohan Rundberg föddes 1973 i Knislinge i Skåne, men bosatte sig som vuxen i Stockholm. Han upptäckte glädjen i att skriva och läsa under tidiga skolår, och var en flitig biblioteksbesökare. Så småningom läste han litteraturvetenskap och tv-produktion på universitetet. Det ledde honom till jobb på SVT och MTG. Från sin utbildningstid hade han även erfarenhet av att jobba med bildsatta manus. Därifrån hämtade han inspiration till att också prova att göra bilderböcker.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 7, 2025
Very cute underdog children's book
This is a fun Middle Grade slapstick comedy that children ages 8 to 10 will enjoy. It should particularly appeal to fans of the novels by Gordon Korman.
This is a fun Middle Grade slapstick comedy that children ages 8 to 10 will enjoy. It should particularly appeal to fans of the novels by Gordon Korman.
July 9, 2025
This story made me remember back to when I was in 7th grade and had discovered girls. The thing back then was to “go steady.” The way you did that was go to a jewelers and get a silver ID bracelet with your name engraved on it. You’d give that to the girl you asked to go steady. I must have gone steady with a dozen girls back then. The shortest was a couple of hours, after which she gave me back the ID bracelet and went off laughing with her friends. The longest was a couple of months. Like Mo in this story, I had no idea what I was doing, or how to deal with the feelings that took over my 7th grade body. But I did discover, as did Mo, that you can easily end up doing some really stupid stuff to impress a girl. Some of it works. Most of it doesn’t. So it’s a timeless theme: as long as there are 7th grade boys and 7th grade girls there will be stories written like Biggest Fake In the Universe, and most of us will be able to relate all too well.
July 11, 2025
The story follows a teenage boy who accidentally goes viral (hello, modern-day fame!), and before he knows it, a TV producer wants him on their show. But what really touched me was how this brave young character stayed true to himself through it all — something every parent would be proud of. 💙
As a mom, I’m always on the lookout for stories that inspire confidence, kindness, and authenticity — and this one checks all the boxes. It’s fun, imaginative, and full of heart. Definitely a book I feel good about handing to my little man.
As a mom, I’m always on the lookout for stories that inspire confidence, kindness, and authenticity — and this one checks all the boxes. It’s fun, imaginative, and full of heart. Definitely a book I feel good about handing to my little man.
September 5, 2025
Audiobook Narrator - 4 stars
Overall rating - 2 stars
I have loved previous books by this author and was very excited to get the audiobook for this new book by him.
While I really enjoyed the narrator and how he told the story [he got a young boy's voice/angst/frustration so well - his narration is actually one of the best parts of the book], the story itself was not my jam. I found Mo to be snotty, mouthy [especially to his parents], a crappy friend, and very whiny [I DID love his relationship with his elderly neighbor, it is the only time he is really lovely and not as obnoxious as he was in the rest of the book - this is one friend he treats well] and he suffers ZERO consequences for all his nonsense [and lies]. I have to admit, I was prett frustrated by the end.
Not my favorite read, but as I am truly NOT the target audience for this book, I can see how pre-teens might love this and would, because of that, cautiously recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Johan Rundberg, Eva Apelqvist - Translator, and Brilliance Audio for providing this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Overall rating - 2 stars
I have loved previous books by this author and was very excited to get the audiobook for this new book by him.
While I really enjoyed the narrator and how he told the story [he got a young boy's voice/angst/frustration so well - his narration is actually one of the best parts of the book], the story itself was not my jam. I found Mo to be snotty, mouthy [especially to his parents], a crappy friend, and very whiny [I DID love his relationship with his elderly neighbor, it is the only time he is really lovely and not as obnoxious as he was in the rest of the book - this is one friend he treats well] and he suffers ZERO consequences for all his nonsense [and lies]. I have to admit, I was prett frustrated by the end.
Not my favorite read, but as I am truly NOT the target audience for this book, I can see how pre-teens might love this and would, because of that, cautiously recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Johan Rundberg, Eva Apelqvist - Translator, and Brilliance Audio for providing this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2025
In reality, this deserves 3.5 stars. A short, fun read that's well aimed at the target audience.
Bonus: it explores how young love has emotional effects on boys!
Bonus: it explores how young love has emotional effects on boys!
August 4, 2025
From the author of the amazing historical mystery series Night Raven comes a contemporary middle grade that is short, easy to read, and with relatable themes for young teens. Social pressure and trying to impress a girl who only communicates with a specific group of people leads Mo to change his personality and become a scatter when he loves chess and cooking instead. He finds himself in a pickle when everyone mistakes him for the best skater on the planet. Mo has the right attitude at the end. This is from the boy's perspective and makes the perfect read for pre-teens and parents of preteen boys. With the right amount of humor.
July 5, 2025
This is so middle school! I'm gotta get my sister to read this.
July 27, 2025
excellent book for kids, 9-12
After reading the last hard core mystery by Carol OConnor, I really needed a break from death, tension, and horror. What better way to escape from all of that, than to pick up a kids book by Johan Rundberg. This is a light and breezy novel about a chess playing kid, Mo, who is smitten by Bea, who happens to be one of the best skateboarders in their town, perhaps all of Sweden. Trying to catch her attention, Mo accidentally does the most amazing skateboarding trick anyone has ever seen. Caught on video, Mo and his trick go viral. Now, a television show want to film him perform an even more spectacular trick. Without trying, Mo is caught up in the lie and all the attention, but then the moment of truth arrives: the scene is set, the TV crew is ready, the town is waiting, the whole world is watching, what will Mo do?
Excellent build up, strong characters, spot on dialogue, healthy lessons without preaching, this is a terrific entry in the field of literature for kids.
After reading the last hard core mystery by Carol OConnor, I really needed a break from death, tension, and horror. What better way to escape from all of that, than to pick up a kids book by Johan Rundberg. This is a light and breezy novel about a chess playing kid, Mo, who is smitten by Bea, who happens to be one of the best skateboarders in their town, perhaps all of Sweden. Trying to catch her attention, Mo accidentally does the most amazing skateboarding trick anyone has ever seen. Caught on video, Mo and his trick go viral. Now, a television show want to film him perform an even more spectacular trick. Without trying, Mo is caught up in the lie and all the attention, but then the moment of truth arrives: the scene is set, the TV crew is ready, the town is waiting, the whole world is watching, what will Mo do?
Excellent build up, strong characters, spot on dialogue, healthy lessons without preaching, this is a terrific entry in the field of literature for kids.
July 20, 2025
One dimensional, unsophisticated
The message told through one dimensional characters is that the worst thing that can happen to a hetero normative, European male is getting embarrassed in front of the girl he likes. Societal pressure, bullying, and gaslighting all come into play as the protagonist is dragged into a situation (disbelief firmly suspended), fails to tell the truth because he wants to impress a girl, then experiences no consequences, only rewards when he finally comes clean. The father figure is portrayed as cautious, clueless, and useless, the female characters are bold, emotional, and unpredictable making the story climax a disappointment when the love interest with phenom skills the protagonist lacks, is not awarded the true spotlight. The protagonist fails to experience any consequences for lying through omission and women are scary reinforcing patriarchal messages.
The message told through one dimensional characters is that the worst thing that can happen to a hetero normative, European male is getting embarrassed in front of the girl he likes. Societal pressure, bullying, and gaslighting all come into play as the protagonist is dragged into a situation (disbelief firmly suspended), fails to tell the truth because he wants to impress a girl, then experiences no consequences, only rewards when he finally comes clean. The father figure is portrayed as cautious, clueless, and useless, the female characters are bold, emotional, and unpredictable making the story climax a disappointment when the love interest with phenom skills the protagonist lacks, is not awarded the true spotlight. The protagonist fails to experience any consequences for lying through omission and women are scary reinforcing patriarchal messages.
August 12, 2025
I would like to thank Brillance Publishing and NetGalley for a free ALC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
This is a pretty run-of-the-mill middle grade adventure a la Wimpy Kid and the like. There is nothing wrong with it and it is not trying to reinvent any wheels. The story sounds and feels like it's from a young boy's perspective which is a thing that has to be highlighted now-a-days when it seems like every demographic is targeting adults. I also think we need more books in translation for middle-graders so that they have a more worldly point of view in their literature.
As per the audiobook specifically, I will say that the narrator did manage to sound like a kid at times and had a kid's inflection often, I just wasn't completely hooked by it. Again, as with my assessment on the story, this performance was absolutely serviceable and that's all I can say about that. Overall, I would recommend but with the caveat that no one should expect to be wowed.
This is a pretty run-of-the-mill middle grade adventure a la Wimpy Kid and the like. There is nothing wrong with it and it is not trying to reinvent any wheels. The story sounds and feels like it's from a young boy's perspective which is a thing that has to be highlighted now-a-days when it seems like every demographic is targeting adults. I also think we need more books in translation for middle-graders so that they have a more worldly point of view in their literature.
As per the audiobook specifically, I will say that the narrator did manage to sound like a kid at times and had a kid's inflection often, I just wasn't completely hooked by it. Again, as with my assessment on the story, this performance was absolutely serviceable and that's all I can say about that. Overall, I would recommend but with the caveat that no one should expect to be wowed.
July 28, 2025
Mo is a nerd, and he's perfectly content with that...until a chance meeting with a skateboarding genius sets his his heart beating faster. He decides to learn to skateboard to impress her, but his lack of dexterity or anything resembling athletic skill makes it a challenge. However, sometimes it's just a matter of being in exactly the right place at the right time that causes a person to stumble into the sickest trick ever caught on video...which is either good or bad, depending on how many other weird series of events that kicks off!
Perfect for anyone who's tried to impress someone else, taken up a new hobby, or has ever found themselves atop a 10-story ramp wondering how they got there.
Perfect for anyone who's tried to impress someone else, taken up a new hobby, or has ever found themselves atop a 10-story ramp wondering how they got there.
July 17, 2025
Fake it till You Bake it?
What a sweet and funny coming of age story. Seeing life through the eyes of a 13 year old boy experiencing his first crush can be more entertaining than I ever believed. It’s a unique perspective in the life that can smile on you and spit you out before you even know what is happening. And Movit, our boy wonder? He fakes it and flounders, and tries to do the right thing. In the end, his support team of friends, family, and neighbors, and his practical wisdom help him to slay the competition…, nah, he’s more creative than that. Let’s just say, he finds his own way. As we all must. Bravo Joha Rundberg. Best young adult fiction of my summer.
What a sweet and funny coming of age story. Seeing life through the eyes of a 13 year old boy experiencing his first crush can be more entertaining than I ever believed. It’s a unique perspective in the life that can smile on you and spit you out before you even know what is happening. And Movit, our boy wonder? He fakes it and flounders, and tries to do the right thing. In the end, his support team of friends, family, and neighbors, and his practical wisdom help him to slay the competition…, nah, he’s more creative than that. Let’s just say, he finds his own way. As we all must. Bravo Joha Rundberg. Best young adult fiction of my summer.
May 22, 2025
Wavering between three stars and four, actually, but giving it four because I came to care for Mo and had to keep reading to find out how, and whether, he gets out of the mess he's made for himself. Briefly, 13-year-old Movits is a nerd fond of outer space, chess, and his guinea pig. He takes up skateboarding to impress a girl who's an expert, and soon finds himself caught in a web of lies. Will Bea still love Mo if he tells her the truth?
Not quite up there with Cosmic, but this book has something of the same feel, and is equally accurate about young teen zaniness. I enjoyed it.
Not quite up there with Cosmic, but this book has something of the same feel, and is equally accurate about young teen zaniness. I enjoyed it.
July 9, 2025
I picked this up for free as part of Amazon's July 2025 "First Reads." It was a short, entertaining story about a middle school boy named Movits Lind who has his first crush. To impress her, he decides to learn to skateboard. When he accidentally performs an amazing skating trick and it's caught on film, he gets his 15 minutes of fame. But, what will happen when the truth comes out? Will Mo get the girl or will his life blow up in his face?
I recommend this book to middle school readers everywhere!
I recommend this book to middle school readers everywhere!
September 7, 2025
For a nerd like Mo, it is unlikely enough that he would catch the attention of the coolest skater girl in his town.
But when his attempt to reinvent himself as a skater dude in order to win actions leads to success in the form of a fluke, when a video of a skating trick he somehow manages to do goes viral, Mo finds himself experiencing the ultimate in imposter syndrome...
A charming story by a gifted Swedish writer, this one is not to be missed!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
But when his attempt to reinvent himself as a skater dude in order to win actions leads to success in the form of a fluke, when a video of a skating trick he somehow manages to do goes viral, Mo finds himself experiencing the ultimate in imposter syndrome...
A charming story by a gifted Swedish writer, this one is not to be missed!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
September 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I'm an adult, but I like to read clean, turning-of-age books.
Nothing beats a good age of transformation book.
I was at the airport and wanted a fast read. As a self-proclaimed misfit, I find identity with book characters who also have "imposter syndrome". When you think you have nothing, but you actually have something ... but you still have to discover it.
This is a funny book with a happy ending and some nice twists that keep the plot moving.
Great read!
Nothing beats a good age of transformation book.
I was at the airport and wanted a fast read. As a self-proclaimed misfit, I find identity with book characters who also have "imposter syndrome". When you think you have nothing, but you actually have something ... but you still have to discover it.
This is a funny book with a happy ending and some nice twists that keep the plot moving.
Great read!
July 3, 2025
This story is relevant for today in the Tik Tok/You Tube world. Young people think they know what they want but do they?
I thought it might be a rehashing of the ending of the 80s movie Better Off Dead where the hero Lane does the impossible and skis the K12; however, the author's ending was much better. I read this because soon my daughter will be teaching math to children this age and I wanted a list of books to recommend for that age group.
This one makes the list!
I thought it might be a rehashing of the ending of the 80s movie Better Off Dead where the hero Lane does the impossible and skis the K12; however, the author's ending was much better. I read this because soon my daughter will be teaching math to children this age and I wanted a list of books to recommend for that age group.
This one makes the list!
July 14, 2025
Cute little story
I got that book via Amazon First Reads.. it's a pretty little story about discovering yourself and that it's not a good idea to lie about yourself. I'm obviously not the targeted audience, but I could see that this is something middle schoolers could be into. Chapters are short and it's 180 pages something. But I only give it 3 stars because it felt very formularic and also super unrealistic.
I got that book via Amazon First Reads.. it's a pretty little story about discovering yourself and that it's not a good idea to lie about yourself. I'm obviously not the targeted audience, but I could see that this is something middle schoolers could be into. Chapters are short and it's 180 pages something. But I only give it 3 stars because it felt very formularic and also super unrealistic.
July 5, 2025
So Cute!
I like this author's stories about young teenagers in Sweden. He seems to have a good idea of how teens think and act. This story has absolutely charming humor. It's very interesting, and fun, and has a lot of things I didn't know about skateboarding and (amazingly) cooking. Again, it's so much fun. I love the guinea pig.
I like this author's stories about young teenagers in Sweden. He seems to have a good idea of how teens think and act. This story has absolutely charming humor. It's very interesting, and fun, and has a lot of things I didn't know about skateboarding and (amazingly) cooking. Again, it's so much fun. I love the guinea pig.
August 20, 2025
A lovely peek into the lives of young people on the cusp of change. No superhuman skills or over the top scenarios, just a realistic glimpse of life with characters who do what real people do, own up to their mistakes (eventually), behave like normal kids, and with a little help from the world around them learn how to solve their own problems.
August 26, 2025
Laugh out loud funny! This was a great read. Mo is a relatable character. I loved the devoted friendship with his friend Reuben. I also enjoyed that he had an older friend in Ingbritt. The only reason this is a 4 and not a 5 was that the ending felt a little too convenient, but the message of the ending is still strong.
August 28, 2025
Even though this book was meant for young adults/high school kids, I loved it!
You are a bit of a nerd, you like nerdy things, you have a strict family, and you experience love at first sight and have no idea what to do about it!
Well, you try to find out who she is, and where you can see her again, because she's amazing!
Follow along on this funny and endearing journey.
You are a bit of a nerd, you like nerdy things, you have a strict family, and you experience love at first sight and have no idea what to do about it!
Well, you try to find out who she is, and where you can see her again, because she's amazing!
Follow along on this funny and endearing journey.
September 4, 2025
Such a cute story. What happens when you’re in love, accidentally do something cool, and everyone thinks you’re amazing. 🤩 Every teenager’s nightmare.
“I wished I were a wizard, like Harry Potter. Then I could make myself disappear. Or hide under an invisibility cloak. But, unfortunately, I was not a wizard. I was just Movits (“Mo” for short). And nothing could save me now.”
“I wished I were a wizard, like Harry Potter. Then I could make myself disappear. Or hide under an invisibility cloak. But, unfortunately, I was not a wizard. I was just Movits (“Mo” for short). And nothing could save me now.”
November 30, 2025
4.5 stars
A sweet coming of age story set in Sweden dealing with the universal themes of first love, honesty, and being a nerd who thinks the need to be cooler to catch the girl. Perfect for kids in upper elementary school or middle school and great for filling a gap between serious books for adults.
No prompt, just for fun.
A sweet coming of age story set in Sweden dealing with the universal themes of first love, honesty, and being a nerd who thinks the need to be cooler to catch the girl. Perfect for kids in upper elementary school or middle school and great for filling a gap between serious books for adults.
No prompt, just for fun.
July 12, 2025
Good for the recommended age group.
The book has short chapters and great best friend interaction. I recommend it for middle school children. I think boys would be interested in the story.
The book has short chapters and great best friend interaction. I recommend it for middle school children. I think boys would be interested in the story.
July 15, 2025
Great story!
I really enjoyed this book, the characters felt like I had grown up with them, it's not a genre I normally read but it definitely drew me in and it was hard to put down. I think many 'tweens will relate to it.
Definitely worth the time to read it!
I really enjoyed this book, the characters felt like I had grown up with them, it's not a genre I normally read but it definitely drew me in and it was hard to put down. I think many 'tweens will relate to it.
Definitely worth the time to read it!
July 18, 2025
Good story! Easy and fun to read. Kids and teens struggle with these things in this social media environment. But the most difficult and challenging part is how they stay authentic and ignore external pressure. And this book illustrates that.
July 31, 2025
Cute story
I had just finished reading a two book dark fantasy and was looking for something lighter to read. Well, this little story didn't disappoint. I throughly enjoyed the read. The main character Mo was relatable and genuine. I really enjoyed it.
I had just finished reading a two book dark fantasy and was looking for something lighter to read. Well, this little story didn't disappoint. I throughly enjoyed the read. The main character Mo was relatable and genuine. I really enjoyed it.
August 3, 2025
cute story!
This is a really cute story about being true to yourself and embracing your own talents. Definitely recommend it to anyone who feels a little bit lost in the shuffle. You have talent. Don’t be afraid to show it!!
This is a really cute story about being true to yourself and embracing your own talents. Definitely recommend it to anyone who feels a little bit lost in the shuffle. You have talent. Don’t be afraid to show it!!
August 12, 2025
Honestly, I read this because it had a guinea pig on the front cover…It turns out, however, that the book’s more about a boy’s first crush and an accidental skateboard trick that gets him into a tight predicament. Very much a boys’ book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews