This week our fifth grade book club members are meeting to discuss A Year in the Life of a Complete and Total Genius by Canadian author, Stacey Matson. Arthur Bean is a genius - it's just that no one else realized this quite yet. He's going to be a world-famous author, and the first step is to win this year's story-writing contest. What he writes is pretty funny, but it gets him into trouble too.
Like with his English teacher.
And the school newspaper advisor.
And cool girl Kennedy.
And Arthur's number one nemesis, Robbie Zack.
Through a variety of formats, including letters, email exchanges, "SEE ME" notes, and doodles, the reader gets to enter the hilarious and often mixed-up mind of Arthur Bean, creative genius. Come the end of 7th grade, Arthur realizes that everyone has different strengths, occasionally our enemies are our best friends, and sometimes life is "never going to be okay," but you can "hope it can be easier." I think middle-grade readers will appreciate Arthur's wit, honesty, and creative attempts at reaching his goals. His teacher says at the end of their year together, that it was a learning experience for her, too. As the reader, watching Arthur grow across the school year, I must say I concur. :)
This debut novel by Stacey Matson is a creative winner! It is the first in the "Genius" triology, and the second book, Scenes from the Epic Life of a Total Genius, is due out in the US this summer.
To preview our discussion questions, click here. Visit the Grade 5 page for more links to Stacey Matson's website and other information related to the book. Happy reading!
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