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The Smartest Kid in the Universe #2
Genius Camp
The Smartest Kid in the Universe goes to genius camp!
Jake McQuade is the smartest kid in the universe—and he's back to defend his title! This time, he is heading off to a camp for geniuses sponsored by billionaire tech mogul (and brilliant inventor) Zane Zinkle.
But genius camp is not like regular camp. There are limo buses, robot polar bears, and high-tech cabins with high-tech toilets! But it isn’t all fun and brain games at camp, especially when Jake goes up against the artificially intelligent Virtuoso quantum computer—the smartest machine in the universe—which also happens to be Zinkle’s latest genius creation! It's boy versus bot in this epic showdown packed with s'mores, puzzles, action, adventure, and hilarious, jelly bean-fueled fun! Bonus puzzle included!
Jake McQuade is the smartest kid in the universe—and he's back to defend his title! This time, he is heading off to a camp for geniuses sponsored by billionaire tech mogul (and brilliant inventor) Zane Zinkle.
But genius camp is not like regular camp. There are limo buses, robot polar bears, and high-tech cabins with high-tech toilets! But it isn’t all fun and brain games at camp, especially when Jake goes up against the artificially intelligent Virtuoso quantum computer—the smartest machine in the universe—which also happens to be Zinkle’s latest genius creation! It's boy versus bot in this epic showdown packed with s'mores, puzzles, action, adventure, and hilarious, jelly bean-fueled fun! Bonus puzzle included!
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2021
137 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Chris Grabenstein
154 books2,438 followersCHRIS GRABENSTEIN is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. His books include the LEMONCELLO, WONDERLAND, HAUNTED MYSTERY, DOG SQUAD, and SMARTEST KID IN THE UNIVERSE series, and many fun and funny page-turners co-authored with James Patterson. You can visit Chris at ChrisGrabenstein.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 7, 2022
I was first introduced to this series when I picked up book #1 by chance through Overdrive/Libby in 2020. In the first book, we learn that Jake attends Riverview Middle School. One day he is bored and hungry during a large conference at the Imperial Marquis Hotel where his mother is an event planner. He happens upon a jar of jelly beans that he innocently snacks on, while waiting. And as fate would have it, the jelly beans turn out to be a scientific brain booster. This is what makes Jake McQuade into the “smartest kid in the universe.” Adventure ensues, but I don’t want to give any big spoilers for those who haven’t yet read it.
So book #2 starts off with Jake winning a competition against billionaire tech mogul Zane Zinkle’s super computer. After his brilliant display of intellectual skills, he and his smart friends have been invited to Camp Genius, hosted by Zinkle. Zinkle is a bit touchy about Jake’s new title because before Jake came along, Zinkle was the smartest kid in the universe. Clearly something is up. However, if Jake accepts the invitation, everyone in his school will receive a FREE Z Phone, a new pricey invention of Zinkle’s. And Jake accepts the invitation as a way to give back to his community.
After the kids arrive at camp, some of their fellow campers and counselors begin to act rather strangely. Nevertheless, whatever is going on does not seem to impact Jake and his friend, Kojo. As they begin to unfold the mystery and attempt to outwit the robots guarding the camp, they quickly discover that not only are their camp friends at risk here, but their entire Riverview Middle School community! Will they be able to reveal the plot before their entire home town is destroyed?
What a wonderful adventure! I’ve enjoyed this series and hope book #2 isn’t the end! Grabenstein’s writing is easily accessible to children, but also allows the reader to ask more philosophical questions about being smart versus being wise. This book also opens the door for valuable discussion about the addictive nature of technology apps and social media. The writing is just wonderful and I’m happy to recommend this series. Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC so that I could share my honest review!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
So book #2 starts off with Jake winning a competition against billionaire tech mogul Zane Zinkle’s super computer. After his brilliant display of intellectual skills, he and his smart friends have been invited to Camp Genius, hosted by Zinkle. Zinkle is a bit touchy about Jake’s new title because before Jake came along, Zinkle was the smartest kid in the universe. Clearly something is up. However, if Jake accepts the invitation, everyone in his school will receive a FREE Z Phone, a new pricey invention of Zinkle’s. And Jake accepts the invitation as a way to give back to his community.
After the kids arrive at camp, some of their fellow campers and counselors begin to act rather strangely. Nevertheless, whatever is going on does not seem to impact Jake and his friend, Kojo. As they begin to unfold the mystery and attempt to outwit the robots guarding the camp, they quickly discover that not only are their camp friends at risk here, but their entire Riverview Middle School community! Will they be able to reveal the plot before their entire home town is destroyed?
What a wonderful adventure! I’ve enjoyed this series and hope book #2 isn’t the end! Grabenstein’s writing is easily accessible to children, but also allows the reader to ask more philosophical questions about being smart versus being wise. This book also opens the door for valuable discussion about the addictive nature of technology apps and social media. The writing is just wonderful and I’m happy to recommend this series. Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC so that I could share my honest review!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
December 1, 2021
Where's number three in the series? I'm sitting here anxiously awaiting the next book (all of his next books in all series!). I always pre-order in multiple formats. It's like a kid on Christmas eve, only longer! I'm glad I ordered the audio book too because It came immediately. I'm not sure where my hardback is, but that's the postal system here! I'll read it again for the puzzles and to see the words when it gets here! The audible narration is great though.
Once again, Chris pulls off a fun book that even big kids can enjoy. I'm glad some people never really grow up! From balloons to jellybeans with powers to make Jake smart, this book is humorous and full of puzzles and word twists as his others are. Funny content about Jake's change with and without the Jellybeans...he used to be so lazy he would watch the 15 second ad to avoid pushing the button on the remote control. I remember the days before remote controls existed! I laughed so hard!
Jake and his friends are trying to solve the mystery of why zPhones make people do crazy things such as dance, crave deep fried pork, forget words, and do other things they don't have control over. This $3000 phone has an app that causes them to act abnormally. Jake is working to get rid of the app on the phones however he can and figure out who is behind it and how they are able to take control over people who have one through this app which dumbs people down. It has taken over his school. Can he solve this mystery at genius camp? Why was this app created? Why does it make people who have it behave abnormally? He has to solve puzzles to get to the end and save his school, friends, and the world
Anyway, a lot of fun and humor. While definitely more of a tween or upper elementary book, "big kids" can have as much fun with it and it will bring back some of your childhood. Can you solve the big puzzle at the end?
Once again, Chris pulls off a fun book that even big kids can enjoy. I'm glad some people never really grow up! From balloons to jellybeans with powers to make Jake smart, this book is humorous and full of puzzles and word twists as his others are. Funny content about Jake's change with and without the Jellybeans...he used to be so lazy he would watch the 15 second ad to avoid pushing the button on the remote control. I remember the days before remote controls existed! I laughed so hard!
Jake and his friends are trying to solve the mystery of why zPhones make people do crazy things such as dance, crave deep fried pork, forget words, and do other things they don't have control over. This $3000 phone has an app that causes them to act abnormally. Jake is working to get rid of the app on the phones however he can and figure out who is behind it and how they are able to take control over people who have one through this app which dumbs people down. It has taken over his school. Can he solve this mystery at genius camp? Why was this app created? Why does it make people who have it behave abnormally? He has to solve puzzles to get to the end and save his school, friends, and the world
Anyway, a lot of fun and humor. While definitely more of a tween or upper elementary book, "big kids" can have as much fun with it and it will bring back some of your childhood. Can you solve the big puzzle at the end?
December 19, 2021
The Lemoncello shoutout!!!
August 23, 2022
I really liked that!
It was so good to see some references and most importantly a *character* for Mr.Lemoncello books.
I thought that we will see Jake in this book that he'll lose his intelligence but then I saw that no! I was wrong and it had a more interesting plot and story.
I liked the characters but one thing:
You are going to lose your friend and the world may be in the hands of an evil tech and you (Jake) are happy that Greice Garsia (I don't know how to spell the names!) Said something good about you?!
I liked that and the way they gave Todd and the other one from Zinkle council was so good
**I'm so sorry that I forgot the names or didn't know how to write them, that's because I read the translated version.
It was so good to see some references and most importantly a *character* for Mr.Lemoncello books.
I thought that we will see Jake in this book that he'll lose his intelligence but then I saw that no! I was wrong and it had a more interesting plot and story.
I liked the characters but one thing:
You are going to lose your friend and the world may be in the hands of an evil tech and you (Jake) are happy that Greice Garsia (I don't know how to spell the names!) Said something good about you?!
I liked that and the way they gave Todd and the other one from Zinkle council was so good
**I'm so sorry that I forgot the names or didn't know how to write them, that's because I read the translated version.
March 20, 2022
Excellent read with my 9 year old. We love the Lemoncello books and this one is very similar in style.
January 17, 2022
This book was just as fun as its predecessor. I really appreciated that Jake was insecure about his newfound genius, partly because he wasn't sure if/when it might suddenly wear off, and partly because he knew the jelly beans don't cover every subject. I like his connection to Haazim Farooqi (jelly bean creator) and Farooqi's involvement in this story. And I love that a certain other book series by Grabenstein is officially in the same universe as this series (I really want to say more, but I won't, to avoid spoilers).
Kojo started to drive me a little crazy in this book, with his insistence on adding "baby" into his dialog so often. If I met this kid in real life, I'd have to walk away pretty quickly. I also was initially put off by the incredibly ridiculous immaturity of the villain, but I mentioned this to my 11-year-old daughter who had already read the book, and she pointed out that it wasn't necessarily unrealistic, given the villain's backstory, and I was able to look past it more easily after that. I did predict the sort-of-twist at the end, but I think that's mostly because of a certain movie I've seen several times (I won't name it, because it would spoil the ending), which I'm sure kids in the age range that this book is meant for would be a lot less familiar with. As I mentioned above, my 11-year-old daughter read it before me, and she loved it as much as the previous. That's the strongest endorsement I can ever give for a middle grade book, so make sure to check it out for your kids (or you)!
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children’s Books for providing me a copy of this book to review.
Kojo started to drive me a little crazy in this book, with his insistence on adding "baby" into his dialog so often. If I met this kid in real life, I'd have to walk away pretty quickly. I also was initially put off by the incredibly ridiculous immaturity of the villain, but I mentioned this to my 11-year-old daughter who had already read the book, and she pointed out that it wasn't necessarily unrealistic, given the villain's backstory, and I was able to look past it more easily after that. I did predict the sort-of-twist at the end, but I think that's mostly because of a certain movie I've seen several times (I won't name it, because it would spoil the ending), which I'm sure kids in the age range that this book is meant for would be a lot less familiar with. As I mentioned above, my 11-year-old daughter read it before me, and she loved it as much as the previous. That's the strongest endorsement I can ever give for a middle grade book, so make sure to check it out for your kids (or you)!
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children’s Books for providing me a copy of this book to review.
January 13, 2022
After Jake beats Zane Zinkle's super computer at a gaming competition, Zane is a little upset. Not only did Jake best his brain child and show up his multimillion dollar company, but Jake stole Zane's former title of smartest kid in the universe! So Zane has decided to cook up a little surprise for Jake. He's invited Jake and Kojo to Genius Camp on the Zinkle Inc. grounds for a week and in return for their attendance, every kid at their middle school gets a brand new zPhone for free. It seems like a deal too good to pass up, even though Jake also has stuff with the FBI and mayor going on, and needs to occasionally cheer on the scientist who made his intelligence-granting jelly beans as he tries to replicate the experiment. Will Jake and Kojo figure out Zane's nefarious schemes before it is too late?
Another very fun -and smart- adventure with Jake and gang. I like that Jake realizes his genius is a gift that could be all too temporary so he's pretty humble about it, usually, and definitely doesn't take it for granted. He's a very likable main character, and I appreciate that he's focused on using his gift for good (thanks in part to his friend Grace's grounding advise). He's also got good friends around him, and fantastic adults in his life. And there's just the right balance of action and humor. There's an appearance in here of a character Grabenstein originally wrote for some of the Mr. Lemoncello competitions, which fans of his Lemoncello books will appreciate. I like that these two series now cross-over. I can see fans of one series liking the other quite a bit. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Grabenstein is a genius himself. He knows how to write books that are winners with kids (and kids at heart) and the adults in their lives. Highly recommended for kids who like stories about kids who save the world with their heads.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There are some malicious giant robots at one point that are a bit threatening, but they are dealt with in a nonviolent way.
Another very fun -and smart- adventure with Jake and gang. I like that Jake realizes his genius is a gift that could be all too temporary so he's pretty humble about it, usually, and definitely doesn't take it for granted. He's a very likable main character, and I appreciate that he's focused on using his gift for good (thanks in part to his friend Grace's grounding advise). He's also got good friends around him, and fantastic adults in his life. And there's just the right balance of action and humor. There's an appearance in here of a character Grabenstein originally wrote for some of the Mr. Lemoncello competitions, which fans of his Lemoncello books will appreciate. I like that these two series now cross-over. I can see fans of one series liking the other quite a bit. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Grabenstein is a genius himself. He knows how to write books that are winners with kids (and kids at heart) and the adults in their lives. Highly recommended for kids who like stories about kids who save the world with their heads.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There are some malicious giant robots at one point that are a bit threatening, but they are dealt with in a nonviolent way.
January 5, 2022
I just loved this book. As an adult I felt the book showed the triumph of good over evil. Also, it is a satire on mindless consumerism and how people are 'dumbed down' to indulge in buying just about anything. As in the case of the previous book in the series, Grabenstein has shown diversity in his characters. In addition to Kojo, an African American, Grace, a Hispanic and Mr. Farooqi a Pakistani there are Abaia a Somalian and Dawn an Asian American. There is a reference to Halal and Kosher foods which will help children become culture sensitive. Speaking of reference, I couldn't help but laugh at the similarity of Zane to Steve Jobs and the products to Apple products. And if Apple is mentioned can Google be far behind? Yes, the mention of Zinkplex, is a take on Googleplex and all the facilities therein cannot but motivate kids to grow up and work in Google:-) At last! I mention kids. This book is after all for kids and they will love it. There is fantasy, magic and Gaming - all fun stuff, cool stuff. As before Jake helps the FBI and CIA. Jake answers questions and solves puzzles. The merit of co-operation is stressed. And yes, Star trek and 2001 Space Odyssey play a part. Kids may not have heard of Hal but they will read the last chapters with bated breath as Jake battles Lulu. Hey parents! Get this book for your kids; but first read it and enjoy.
May 25, 2022
Jelly Bean Brain
Don’t need to be the smartest to enjoy this book.
Don’t need to be the smartest to enjoy this book.
December 14, 2021
Genius Camp is the second adventure in Chris Grabenstein’s “The Smartest Kid in the Universe” series. After eating the Ingestible Knowledge jelly beans in the first book, Jake McQuade continues to use his newfound smarts by going up against an AI quantum computer named Virtuoso. When Jake beats the computer at an e-games tournament, the computer’s founder, tech guru (and former smartest kid in the world), Zane Zinkle, vows to get revenge on Jake and reclaim his title. Zane Zinkle invites 6 kid geniuses to a camp to see who amount them is the smartest. If you’ve read the Lemonchello series, you’ll recognize one of the characters in this book, Abia Sulayman.
This book was such a fun read! Chris Grabenstein is one of my favorite middle grade authors and everything he writes is witty and captivating, and this book is no different. This book includes laughs, mental exercises and a whole lot of fart jokes!
4.5 Stars!
I received an advance review copy for free for NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was such a fun read! Chris Grabenstein is one of my favorite middle grade authors and everything he writes is witty and captivating, and this book is no different. This book includes laughs, mental exercises and a whole lot of fart jokes!
4.5 Stars!
I received an advance review copy for free for NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 28, 2021
Thank you to Chris Grabestein for an early release copy of this book. I said I would tell the whole 6th grade about this book, and I am working on getting the word out.
I am a bit over halfway through this book, and I already love it! The short chapters make me want to read more, because I always think "Just one more chapter". The characters are awesome, and I especially live Haazim Farooqi's character. The plot is very exciting, making me want to find out what's going to happen next. I also of course love the puzzles in the book, many of which I overthink. Some puzzles are so obvious that they're not obvious, and that is one of the things I love about Grabenstein books. I can't wait to finish this book! It is truly splendid! (Or shall I say splendiferous!)
I am a bit over halfway through this book, and I already love it! The short chapters make me want to read more, because I always think "Just one more chapter". The characters are awesome, and I especially live Haazim Farooqi's character. The plot is very exciting, making me want to find out what's going to happen next. I also of course love the puzzles in the book, many of which I overthink. Some puzzles are so obvious that they're not obvious, and that is one of the things I love about Grabenstein books. I can't wait to finish this book! It is truly splendid! (Or shall I say splendiferous!)
December 9, 2022
The book was received as an ARC from Random House Children's - Random House Books for Young Readers through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book is a new modern take on the advancement of technology impacting the work ethic and intellect of today's youth. That aside, I could not get enough of this book. I was never qualified to go to genius camp, but I did have a friend who was a member of Menza, so I can understand the pressure Jake was experiencing when he was encountering the ultimate battle of the minds against Tech Mogul, Zane Zinkle's Virtuoso bot. At first, I was not immediately attracted to this book because I am very skeptical of a book that has riddles and puzzle compiled in the book, however, these puzzles were challenging, clever, and fun to complete. I shared them with some of our members of our youth book club, and they had a blast reading the book and solving the puzzles. I even got some of them to ask for the title on reserve.
A cleverly, witty interpretation of one of the most powerful issues of intellect in today's reality. This book deserved 5 stars.
This book is a new modern take on the advancement of technology impacting the work ethic and intellect of today's youth. That aside, I could not get enough of this book. I was never qualified to go to genius camp, but I did have a friend who was a member of Menza, so I can understand the pressure Jake was experiencing when he was encountering the ultimate battle of the minds against Tech Mogul, Zane Zinkle's Virtuoso bot. At first, I was not immediately attracted to this book because I am very skeptical of a book that has riddles and puzzle compiled in the book, however, these puzzles were challenging, clever, and fun to complete. I shared them with some of our members of our youth book club, and they had a blast reading the book and solving the puzzles. I even got some of them to ask for the title on reserve.
A cleverly, witty interpretation of one of the most powerful issues of intellect in today's reality. This book deserved 5 stars.
November 23, 2021
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in return for an honest review.
An enjoyable sequel to the The Smartest Kid in the Universe. Jake is constantly worried that his smartness will wear off and he'll be discovered as a fraud. In this book, Jake, Kojo, and Grace must team up to try to take down the guy trying to take down Jake down...can Jake outsmart him? There are puzzles sprinkled through the book and the short chapters, will help engage reluctant readers. And I love this reminder in the book...We're given our talents to help others, not ourselves."
Bonus: I correctly solved the Bonus Puzzle at the back of the book...yay!!
An enjoyable sequel to the The Smartest Kid in the Universe. Jake is constantly worried that his smartness will wear off and he'll be discovered as a fraud. In this book, Jake, Kojo, and Grace must team up to try to take down the guy trying to take down Jake down...can Jake outsmart him? There are puzzles sprinkled through the book and the short chapters, will help engage reluctant readers. And I love this reminder in the book...We're given our talents to help others, not ourselves."
Bonus: I correctly solved the Bonus Puzzle at the back of the book...yay!!
November 29, 2021
This second book made for fun reading time. I enjoyed getting back into Jake's world with his friends and family. I laughed and smiled often and can highly recommend this book and the first one to all middle grade readers.
August 11, 2022
Audiobook
This is a really great series! I love the characters and this one had some more action than the last one. I absolutely loved the Lemoncello connection!
This is a really great series! I love the characters and this one had some more action than the last one. I absolutely loved the Lemoncello connection!
November 10, 2021
I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's Books through the Fall Day of Dialogue.
This sequel pulls readers further into Jake, Kojo and Grace's middle school world. The adventure continues as Jake and Kojo head for a special Genius Camp run by the former smartest kid in the universe, Zink Zinkle. Grabenstein offers plenty of humor at all levels undergirded with more serious plot points about living life in community and using skills to help others. The short chapter format works well for more reluctant readers.
This sequel pulls readers further into Jake, Kojo and Grace's middle school world. The adventure continues as Jake and Kojo head for a special Genius Camp run by the former smartest kid in the universe, Zink Zinkle. Grabenstein offers plenty of humor at all levels undergirded with more serious plot points about living life in community and using skills to help others. The short chapter format works well for more reluctant readers.
August 4, 2022
This book is FANTASTIC, I LOVE it !!!!! It is a GREAT read !!! I could READ IT 4EVER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 20, 2022
Loved it!
January 6, 2022
Another great book by Chris Grabenstein. It is also a great addition to this series. Jake is a super smart kid thanks to some specially enhanced jelly beans. unfortunately, his brilliance upsets the previously smartest kid in the universe who is looking to fix that.
Jake and his friends experience some new and unique situations which were fun to read about. The characters are great and work well along side each other. It was also very exciting to see one of the characters from the Mr. Lemoncello books make an appearance!
I will continue to follow Grabenstein and his apparent quest to convince kids that being smart and not lazy is the coolest thing you can do.
Jake and his friends experience some new and unique situations which were fun to read about. The characters are great and work well along side each other. It was also very exciting to see one of the characters from the Mr. Lemoncello books make an appearance!
I will continue to follow Grabenstein and his apparent quest to convince kids that being smart and not lazy is the coolest thing you can do.
January 20, 2022
Loved it! Another cute book in this series! Love this author! He is one of my favorites!
February 5, 2022
Another fast-paced, fun, and funny ride!
December 30, 2021
DNF @50%
I want to start by saying this is NOT A BAD BOOK. As a reader who reads books for all ages (middle grade, young adult, and adult) I always find great delight when I find a book that can span decades of ages. Unfortunately, for me, this book did not read well for people outside the targeted age range. This of course is not a bad thing, just the reason why I DNFed it midway.
In this book, you are following Jake after the events of the first book. He is now super smart due to the special jelly beans he ate and has now been invited to go to this camp for geniuses. While there he encounters many wacky things and meets many smart people. This book is very unrealistic and silly which isn't a bad thing, but for me, I didn't find those elements enjoyable to read about. I also found the writing very childish and repetitive. A brief backstory, I have loved Christ Grabenstein's books in the past. I have read his entire Lemoncello series and a few other books including the first one of this series. However, as I get older I have found less and less pleasure reading his books and I think this book is somewhat a marker for when I have outgrown his books as a reader.
Although I have fallen out of love with his books I still fully stand by his books and they are still/always amazing reads. I just think they are best for the targeted age range. Thus comes the end of this review.
To sum up my thoughts. 1) I found the writing and plot very basic/unrealistic, therefore making it difficult to be enjoyed by an audience outside the targeted group. 2) This book series would be wonderful series for reluctant readers as Jake is a fun protagonist and the chapters are short. 3) This book has the classic witty Chris Grabenstein puzzles sprinkled throughout that I found enjoyable and I think many kids will too. 4) I think this book is best to be read by 8-12-year-olds and I don't think people above these ages will find as much delight in reading both this book and the series as a whole.
Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for an e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
I want to start by saying this is NOT A BAD BOOK. As a reader who reads books for all ages (middle grade, young adult, and adult) I always find great delight when I find a book that can span decades of ages. Unfortunately, for me, this book did not read well for people outside the targeted age range. This of course is not a bad thing, just the reason why I DNFed it midway.
In this book, you are following Jake after the events of the first book. He is now super smart due to the special jelly beans he ate and has now been invited to go to this camp for geniuses. While there he encounters many wacky things and meets many smart people. This book is very unrealistic and silly which isn't a bad thing, but for me, I didn't find those elements enjoyable to read about. I also found the writing very childish and repetitive. A brief backstory, I have loved Christ Grabenstein's books in the past. I have read his entire Lemoncello series and a few other books including the first one of this series. However, as I get older I have found less and less pleasure reading his books and I think this book is somewhat a marker for when I have outgrown his books as a reader.
Although I have fallen out of love with his books I still fully stand by his books and they are still/always amazing reads. I just think they are best for the targeted age range. Thus comes the end of this review.
To sum up my thoughts. 1) I found the writing and plot very basic/unrealistic, therefore making it difficult to be enjoyed by an audience outside the targeted group. 2) This book series would be wonderful series for reluctant readers as Jake is a fun protagonist and the chapters are short. 3) This book has the classic witty Chris Grabenstein puzzles sprinkled throughout that I found enjoyable and I think many kids will too. 4) I think this book is best to be read by 8-12-year-olds and I don't think people above these ages will find as much delight in reading both this book and the series as a whole.
Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for an e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
dnf
December 30, 2021DNF @50%
I want to start by saying this is NOT A BAD BOOK. As a reader who reads books for all ages (middle grade, young adult, and adult) I always find great delight when I find a book that can span decades of ages. Unfortunately, for me, this book did not read well for people outside the targeted age range. This of course is not a bad thing, just the reason why I DNFed it midway.
In this book, you are following Jake after the events of the first book. He is now super smart due to the special jelly beans he ate and has now been invited to go to this camp for geniuses. While there he encounters many wacky things and meets many smart people. This book is very unrealistic and silly which isn't a bad thing, but for me, I didn't find those elements enjoyable to read about. I also found the writing very childish and repetitive. A brief backstory, I have loved Christ Grabenstein's books in the past. I have read his entire Lemoncello series and a few other books including the first one of this series. However, as I get older I have found less and less pleasure reading his books and I think this book is somewhat a marker for when I have outgrown his books as a reader.
Although I have fallen out of love with his books I still fully stand by his books and they are still/always amazing reads. I just think they are best for the targeted age range. Thus comes the end of this review.
To sum up my thoughts. 1) I found the writing and plot very basic/unrealistic, therefore making it difficult to be enjoyed by an audience outside the targeted group. 2) This book series would be wonderful series for reluctant readers as Jake is a fun protagonist and the chapters are short. 3) This book has the classic witty Chris Grabenstein puzzles sprinkled throughout that I found enjoyable and I think many kids will too. 4) I think this book is best to be read by 8-12-year-olds and I don't think people above these ages will find as much delight in reading both this book and the series as a whole.
I received an e-arc from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I want to start by saying this is NOT A BAD BOOK. As a reader who reads books for all ages (middle grade, young adult, and adult) I always find great delight when I find a book that can span decades of ages. Unfortunately, for me, this book did not read well for people outside the targeted age range. This of course is not a bad thing, just the reason why I DNFed it midway.
In this book, you are following Jake after the events of the first book. He is now super smart due to the special jelly beans he ate and has now been invited to go to this camp for geniuses. While there he encounters many wacky things and meets many smart people. This book is very unrealistic and silly which isn't a bad thing, but for me, I didn't find those elements enjoyable to read about. I also found the writing very childish and repetitive. A brief backstory, I have loved Christ Grabenstein's books in the past. I have read his entire Lemoncello series and a few other books including the first one of this series. However, as I get older I have found less and less pleasure reading his books and I think this book is somewhat a marker for when I have outgrown his books as a reader.
Although I have fallen out of love with his books I still fully stand by his books and they are still/always amazing reads. I just think they are best for the targeted age range. Thus comes the end of this review.
To sum up my thoughts. 1) I found the writing and plot very basic/unrealistic, therefore making it difficult to be enjoyed by an audience outside the targeted group. 2) This book series would be wonderful series for reluctant readers as Jake is a fun protagonist and the chapters are short. 3) This book has the classic witty Chris Grabenstein puzzles sprinkled throughout that I found enjoyable and I think many kids will too. 4) I think this book is best to be read by 8-12-year-olds and I don't think people above these ages will find as much delight in reading both this book and the series as a whole.
I received an e-arc from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
March 22, 2023
Jake McQuade, the formerly lazy now industrious genius, is back for another save his school, family, and friends adventure. In this second in series, Jake is busy showing off his intellect and makes the usurped smartest kid in the universe jealous enough to take action. Zane Zinkle, multi-millionaire tech guru and ultimate narcissist, sets up an elaborate plan to drain the brains and control the minds of anyone and everyone to make himself and his company and himself the top in everything. But, as in the series opener, Jake and his besties Grace and Kojo, prove to be more than his match in everything. The end result and even a few events during the course of the adventure are predictable, but still enjoyable. The Zinkle sponsored Genius Camp has the expected cabins and s’mores but with creative twists and the millionaire’s gifts to Jake’s school are part of the expected dastardly plot but in a pretty hilarious way. Grabenstein’s book includes current cutting edge technology as well as some imaginative possibilities for the future. Brain-teasers are scattered throughout and if so inclined, readers can try to solve them before moving on in the text to see the answer. All in all, another high interest middle grade novel for libraries with a readership in Grabenstein’s Lemoncello series or Patterson’s I Funny and Middle School books. Text is free of violence (except for a few destroyed AI bears), sexual content, and profanity (although the fart jokes are frequent). Characters come from a wide variety of races and ethnic backgrounds.
Review based on arcs from Edelweiss and NetGalley.
Review based on arcs from Edelweiss and NetGalley.
November 3, 2023
Jake is still the smartest kid in the universe, but each day he can't help but wonder if or when the effect of those intelligence-enhancing jelly beans will wear off and he'll return to being the not-so-smart version of Jake. Jake's overnight brain power doesn't go unnoticed as the government has already put his genius powers to work. Zane Zinkle, the now dethroned and therefore second smartest kid in the universe, is out to reclaim his title. He's got an elaborate scheme in play that involves the whole school, his company's new cell phones, and AI. First, Zane needs Jake and his friends to attend his "Genius Camp".
Filled with marshmallows, cell phones, junk food snacks, phone apps, and a lot of clean middle grade boy humor, Genius Camp did not disappoint. At some points it moved a little slow for me and seemed predictable, but as the book went on, I just really liked seeing Jake's good decisions and characer shine through. I definitely recommend this to upper elementary/middle school fans of sci fi.
Filled with marshmallows, cell phones, junk food snacks, phone apps, and a lot of clean middle grade boy humor, Genius Camp did not disappoint. At some points it moved a little slow for me and seemed predictable, but as the book went on, I just really liked seeing Jake's good decisions and characer shine through. I definitely recommend this to upper elementary/middle school fans of sci fi.
July 1, 2025
4.65 stars
No spoiler review
This book was pretty good. The only reason it's 4.65 stars instead of 5 stars is because the bonus puzzles at the end were awesome in the first book and this one had one super easy bonus puzzle in the back that I solved in probably 10 seconds. This book was amazing over all and was mostly about Jake and Kojo at genius camp. They went to genius camp and Zane Zinkle the person who invented genius camp gave everyone at Jake's school the Zphone which was 3 times smarter than an Iphone and 3 times more expensive. However, when Jake goes home after an FBI mission he finds everyone (including his mom) are addicted to their phones. This becomes a problem because when he gets back to genius camp everyone is addicted to their Zphones and are no longer genius. Can Jake, with Grace & Kojo save their school, camp, and the whole world? Find out by getting this book, today!
No spoiler review
This book was pretty good. The only reason it's 4.65 stars instead of 5 stars is because the bonus puzzles at the end were awesome in the first book and this one had one super easy bonus puzzle in the back that I solved in probably 10 seconds. This book was amazing over all and was mostly about Jake and Kojo at genius camp. They went to genius camp and Zane Zinkle the person who invented genius camp gave everyone at Jake's school the Zphone which was 3 times smarter than an Iphone and 3 times more expensive. However, when Jake goes home after an FBI mission he finds everyone (including his mom) are addicted to their phones. This becomes a problem because when he gets back to genius camp everyone is addicted to their Zphones and are no longer genius. Can Jake, with Grace & Kojo save their school, camp, and the whole world? Find out by getting this book, today!
February 19, 2022
Jake is back, along with his extraordinary intelligence and two best friends Kojo and Grace. In this adventure, Jake has caught the attention and jealousy of genius Zane Zinkle. Zane, determined to recapture the title of smartest person in the universe, sponsors a Genius Camp and invites Jake and Kojo. The boys quickly realize something is amiss as the other campers' intelligence is disappearing as they eat the marshmallows. Meanwhile, Grace is watching the students and teachers become less and less smart after interacting with the zPhones that were gifted them when Jake agreed to attend the Genius Camp.
Another fun book filled with Grabentein's humor, kids who loved the first book in this series will love this follow-up.
Another fun book filled with Grabentein's humor, kids who loved the first book in this series will love this follow-up.
April 21, 2023
Though not nearly as good as its predecessor (to me personally), this book still had fast pacing and an interesting concept. I felt as though the character interactions that really propelled the first installment took an unfortunate backseat to the wacky shenanigans, most of the newly introduced characters were barely utilized, and I felt as though Jake himself barely stood out in his own book.
I wish Zinkle had been more formidable since he started the book extremely menacing (in a silly way) and I really loved his character, but by the end (even before the final confrontation) he too got lost in the shuffle of the narrative.
I wish Zinkle had been more formidable since he started the book extremely menacing (in a silly way) and I really loved his character, but by the end (even before the final confrontation) he too got lost in the shuffle of the narrative.
July 11, 2023
Very enjoyable. I deducted one star because it is marred by the irritatingly redundant explanations of dialog immediately after it is spoken. Real-life conversations would be dreadful if every joke were explained afterwards. These aren't explanations of jokes, but inline definitions of terms.
"Because we're not doing enough to incentivize recycling," said Grace.
"'Incentivize' means 'make people want to do something,'" added Kojo.
Reading involves learning new words, and a force-press or a select-and-right-click is all that's necessary to pop up a definition these days. And if that's too much work, readers are incentivized to use contextual clues to figure out what words mean.
"Because we're not doing enough to incentivize recycling," said Grace.
"'Incentivize' means 'make people want to do something,'" added Kojo.
Reading involves learning new words, and a force-press or a select-and-right-click is all that's necessary to pop up a definition these days. And if that's too much work, readers are incentivized to use contextual clues to figure out what words mean.
June 16, 2023
Chris Grabenstein’s THE SMARTEST KID IN THE UNIVERSE: GENIUS CAMP (2021): This is book 2 of 3 of this fun series featuring kid heroes who use their smarts to solve big problems, humor, puzzles, and thoughtful commentary on the ubiquity and danger of smart phones, addictive and persuasive apps, and artificial intelligence. An easy, fun middle-grade fiction read (rates grades 3-7). #amreading #readaloudfamily
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