Why Supergifted by Gordon Korman is the Ultimate Page Turner for Young Readers

As with almost any book we read together in Young Readers's Club, the theory board always gets filled with analyses and theories about the plot. Supergifted by Gordon Korman was no different. If anything, even more rejoiceful as we waited with baited breath to see if any of the theories the young readers came up, actually turned out to be right.

Supergifted is the sequel to yet another amazing book, Ungifted. Ungifted was all about an impulsive character, Donavan Curtis, who is in trouble for causing major damage to the gym. By sheer coincidental series of events, he gets sent to the Academy for gifted children. He manages to survive there with help of course, under the constant worry of being caught. Eventually he returns to his old school. Ungifted brings to light what it means to be average among the gifted and how the gifted long to have a normal life without the pressure of performing well all the time.

In Supergifted, Noah Youkilis, a supergifted child, with an IQ of 206. At the Academy academics is way too easy for him, since he is gifted. He wants a challenge, something for which he must work hard for and not get it easily. Would anyone complain if one could get good grades with little effort? Most of us would think that that would be wonderful, if only it were possible. Noah shows the reader what it feels like to get good grades with not much preparation. It is hardly satisfying, making him discontent, searching for something in which he can aspire to do better. He finds a way to get enrolled in the general school where he consciously takes part in activities such as cheerleading for example, for which he clearly is not suited for. All this simply to perform badly in something... to have something to aspire to better in. Being super gifted and being amongst children with average or above average IQ can be a very different experience. He tends to get bullied. He is not privy to high school dynamics and often is unable to read people's actions correctly. Donovan looks out him as much as he can.

In an unexpected turn of events, Donovan and Noah find themselves in a sticky situation. Donovan is a true hero whose act helped save a family home. But, this truth cannot be revealed as there are dire consequences involved if anyone got to know that Donovan was around the place as he was forbidden to be there.

As the hunt for the mysterious hero begins, pressure builds. Noah, thinking that he is helping Donovan, reveals to everyone that he is the hero who saved the family home. He even becomes famous in the process, losing sight of what is evidently going on around him. As the book proceeds, Donovan is able to see that the truth will get revealed sooner or later and he will have to face the disastrous consequences. Nova on the other hand has got used to the fame and fails to see the danger.

Why is this book a page turner?

The reader has the advantage of having a macro view of the entire plot. The reader knows more about each character than themselves, one can say. Yet, it is hard to predict what each one of them will do that will completely twist the story, leading to even more suspense.

As we read together, there would be moments when someone who would quickly read ahead and say something in the lines, "Oh no!" The rest of us would then scramble to catch up and share similar reactions.

There is some joy in reading together. It is almost as if we are watching a movie unravel in front of us.

We are at the moment nearing the end of the book. What we anticipated most has happened. Two of the readers' theories turned out to be right. We rejoiced together. But what will happen now? What is going to be the consequence of holding on to such a big secret? Will close friendships get back to where they were? We don't know yet. We are about to find out!

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The Young Readers' Club is a book club for the 8-12 age group. We also do vocabulary building activities and mini writing lessons for a little variety!

Writing programs for the 9-12 age group- Young Writers' Club Jr.  

The Young Writers' Club program for the 13-16 age group offers a weekly platform to read and discuss curated articles from the news, observe writing approaches and practise one's writing skills.

Tween Tribune  is an online magazine for the Young Writers' Club (Jr.) program for tweens. Weekly updates of our discussions are published. Once in 6 months, the best of writing by the tween members is made available to read.

 Musings from the Young Writers' Club is an online magazine showcasing the work we do at the Young Writers' Club.