Masterminds Gordon Korman – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Masterminds Gordon Korman

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2016

77%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Kids discover their perfect town is a lie and they're clones of history's greatest criminals—dystopian mystery that actually makes you think.

Masterminds Gordon Korman

book

2016

77%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Kids discover their perfect town is a lie and they're clones of history's greatest criminals—dystopian mystery that actually makes you think.

4.7

Jump to

Also rated on

4.7

View →

Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

This is solid middle-grade thriller territory—Korman delivers a genuinely intriguing premise that doesn't talk down to kids. The clone-of-criminals concept is creative enough to stand out in a crowded dystopian market, and the ethical questions are real without being preachy.

The 'perfect town with dark secrets' setup has been done before, but the execution here is age-appropriate and engaging. Kids actually want to read this (those Amazon and kid reviews don't lie), which is half the battle. The parental deception angle might sting for some families, but it's framed as a conspiracy thriller, not a 'your parents are evil' story.

It's not going to change anyone's life, but it's entertaining, makes kids think, and might actually get a reluctant reader hooked. The series format is both a blessing (sustained reading!) and a curse (be ready to buy books 2 and 3). A strong choice for the 9-13 crowd who've outgrown early chapter books but aren't quite ready for YA.

Age Fit

Best for ages 9-13, especially kids who love mysteries, sci-fi, or dystopian stories like The Giver or Stranger Things. Confident readers who can handle some emotional complexity and moral ambiguity will get the most out of it. Probably too heavy for younger kids, and teens might find it a bit middle-grade-y unless they're Korman fans.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models friendship, teamwork, and kids working together to uncover truth. The 'trust no one, not even your parents' premise creates some emotional tension and betrayal themes that could be unsettling, but it's handled in an age-appropriate thriller context. Common Sense Media notes 'hard-earned wisdom' and the kids learning to think critically. The emotional stakes are real but not traumatic.

Imaginative

High-concept dystopian premise that invites critical thinking: a seemingly perfect town hiding dark secrets, clones of criminal masterminds, and kids piecing together a conspiracy. The mystery-solving structure encourages readers to theorize and connect clues alongside the characters. Korman is known for creative plotting that keeps middle-grade readers engaged and thinking.

Safe

Common Sense Media mentions 'explosions' and 'suspense' but frames it as age-appropriate thriller content for middle-grade readers. No graphic violence, sexual content, or strong language flagged. The main safety consideration is the emotional weight of discovering your parents have been lying and you're a clone of a criminal—this could be heavy for sensitive kids but isn't traumatic or gratuitous. Standard middle-grade adventure fare.

Enriching

Raises genuine ethical questions about identity, nature vs. nurture, truth, and what makes someone 'good' or 'bad.' Redeemed Reader specifically notes it 'raises interesting ethical questions' in a fast-moving thriller. Kids learn critical thinking, questioning authority appropriately, and working through complex moral scenarios. The clone-of-criminals premise creates natural discussions about free will and identity. Entertaining enough (4.7 Amazon rating, strong kid reviews) to keep readers engaged while they think.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

High-concept premise that hooks readers immediately: your parents are lying, your town is fake, and you're a clone of a criminal mastermind
Fast-paced thriller structure keeps pages turning while sneaking in real ethical questions about identity, free will, and nature vs. nurture
Gordon Korman knows how to write for middle-grade kids—humor, action, and friendship alongside the conspiracy
Series format means if they're hooked, you've got built-in reading momentum for books 2 and 3
Great conversation starter about questioning authority, critical thinking, and what makes someone who they are

⚠

What to Watch For

The 'you can't trust your parents' premise might hit differently for kids dealing with family trust issues—gauge your kid's emotional landscape first
Some action sequences with explosions and danger, though nothing graphic or gory
Cliffhanger ending (it's book 1 of a trilogy) so be prepared for 'I NEED THE NEXT ONE NOW'
Younger or more sensitive readers might find the identity/cloning concept unsettling

Conversation Starters

"If you found out you were a clone of someone bad, do you think you'd turn out like them? Why or why not?"
"The kids have to decide whether to trust adults who've been lying to them. When is it okay to question what grown-ups tell you?"
"Would you want to live in a 'perfect' town like Serenity if it meant giving up some freedom or truth?"
"The book asks whether we're defined by our DNA or our choices. What do you think matters more?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic