
Reach for this book when your usually confident student suddenly hits a wall with a specific subject and begins to doubt their own intelligence. It is a perfect choice for children who feel the pressure of high expectations and are struggling to admit they need help. The story follows Donavan, a bright boy who loves words but is failing math, leading to a spiral of anxiety and secrecy. Through Donavan's journey, the book explores the difference between being smart and being perfect. It validates the shame kids often feel when they fall behind their peers and offers a roadmap for recovery through honesty and perseverance. Best for ages 8 to 12, this is a compassionate story that normalizes academic struggles and celebrates the bravery it takes to ask for a tutor.
The book deals with academic struggle and the fear of failure in a very direct, realistic manner. There are no magical solutions; the resolution is grounded in hard work and tutoring. It also touches on sibling rivalry and the pressure of being a 'gifted' child in a secular, contemporary setting.
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Sign in to write a reviewA third or fourth grader who identifies as a 'good student' but has recently encountered a topic (like long division or fractions) that makes them feel 'stupid' for the first time.
Read cold. The book is very accessible and supportive. Parents might want to prepare to discuss their own academic struggles to mirror the book's themes. A parent might notice their child hiding a graded test in the bottom of a backpack, making excuses to avoid homework, or suddenly claiming they 'hate school.'
Younger readers will relate to the fear of getting in trouble with a teacher or parent. Older readers will resonate more with the internal identity crisis of no longer feeling like the 'smart kid.'
While many books focus on learning disabilities, this one specifically addresses the emotional fallout for a high-achieving student who hits an unexpected academic hurdle, making it a unique tool for gifted-and-talented students.
Donavan is a bright fourth grader known for his impressive vocabulary and collection of big words. However, he faces a crisis when he begins to fail his math tests. Ashamed that he can't keep up with his classmates or his overachieving sister, Donavan tries to hide his grades, leading to a cycle of anxiety and 'double trouble.' The story culminates in Donavan learning that his worth isn't tied to a single subject and that seeking help is a sign of strength.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.