The Smartest Kid in the Universe – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Smartest Kid in the Universe

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2021

86%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

A kid accidentally eats experimental genius pills and must outsmart corporations, save his school, and survive middle school—all at once.

The Smartest Kid in the Universe

book

2021

86%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

A kid accidentally eats experimental genius pills and must outsmart corporations, save his school, and survive middle school—all at once.

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 exactly what middle-grade fiction should be: smart without being stuffy, funny without being obnoxious, and educational without feeling like homework. Grabenstein knows how to write page-turners that kids actually want to read.

The genius-pill premise is catnip for kids who daydream about acing tests effortlessly, and the book smartly uses that hook to explore what you'd actually do with that kind of power. The pirate legend puzzle and school-saving mission give Jake real stakes beyond just 'being smart.'

At 4.7 stars on Amazon and positive reviews across parent sites, this is a safe bet for your 8-12 year old, especially if they liked Lemoncello or need something to pull them away from screens. It's contemporary enough to feel fresh (2021 publication) and hits that sweet spot of entertaining while sneaking in actual learning.

Age Fit

Solidly aimed at 8-12 year olds, especially 4th-6th graders navigating middle school social dynamics. The humor, pacing, and middle school setting will resonate most with this age group, though advanced 7-year-olds could handle it.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models friendship, cooperation, and using intelligence for good causes (saving the school). Jake's character arc moves from lazy to motivated. The tone is upbeat and humorous without being chaotic or mean-spirited. Christian Parent Review rates it 'Medium-Low' concern level and recommends it, indicating solid values.

Imaginative

The core premise—ingestible information pills that make you instantly smart—is genuinely creative and pushes boundaries of modern tech in a fun way. Combines science, history, and a pirate legend puzzle. Grabenstein (author of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library) is known for inventive, puzzle-filled adventures that spark curiosity.

Safe

Books are inherently safe from digital risks. Content-wise, this is a middle-grade adventure with no concerning themes, violence, or inappropriate content. Multiple parent reviews confirm it's appropriate for the target age group with no red flags. The stakes involve corporations and government interest, but handled in an age-appropriate thriller style.

Enriching

Common Sense Media notes 'you'll learn a lot' from the book. The information pills concept naturally weaves in facts across subjects. Jake's journey from lazy to motivated provides character growth. The puzzle-solving and pirate legend elements encourage problem-solving. Themes of using intelligence responsibly and fighting for what matters (saving the school) offer meaningful takeaways.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Clever premise that makes learning feel like a superpower—kids will eat this up (pun intended)
From Chris Grabenstein, who wrote the beloved Lemoncello series, so you know it's going to be puzzle-filled and fast-paced
Combines science, history, and pirate legends in a way that sneaks education into entertainment
Perfect for reluctant readers—humor, action, and short chapters keep pages turning
Jake's arc from lazy to motivated is relatable without being preachy

⚠

What to Watch For

The 'instant genius' concept might need a conversation about how real learning takes effort and practice
Some kids might get anxious about the government/corporation pursuit angle, though it's handled lightly
Part of a series, so be prepared for requests for books 2 and 3

Conversation Starters

"If you could take a pill to instantly know one subject, what would you pick and why?"
"Jake has to figure out how to save his school. If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be?"
"The book shows corporations and government wanting to control Jake's genius. Why do you think they'd want that kind of power?"
"Jake starts out pretty lazy. What motivates him to change? Have you ever felt more motivated when something really mattered to you?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic