The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable
Thrill seekers and Gutman fans alike will welcome the opening installment of the Genius Files series, which follows twin 12-year-olds Coke and Pepsi McDonald on their cross-county vacation. The precocious brother and sister uncover a secret government plot to use &#x201C;YAGs,&#x201D; or Young American Geniuses, to solve the complex problems of the nation, and find that they are on the list. Suddenly, their 3,000-mile road trip becomes a lot more exciting. The McDonalds&#x2019; trek across the U.S. includes stops at the Donner Party Memorial, a museum of PEZ memorabilia, and the world&#x2019;s largest ball of twine, all while being pursued by dangerous &#x201C;dudes with bowler hats.&#x201D; Although the interjection of factual information from their college-professor father is a bit forced at times, Gutman&#x2019;s novel offers a quirky look at Americana that will engage curious minds. Frequent sidebars direct readers to Google Maps to track the twins&#x2019; journey, and occasional photos of the attractions add appeal. Those looking for a fun and suspenseful read similar to those from Pseudonymous Bosch will not be disappointed. Grades 5-8. --Erin Anderson