The Great Brain

Reach for this book when your child is starting to test boundaries, showing a streak of cleverness that occasionally borders on manipulation, or struggling with the ethics of 'getting ahead.' Set in 1890s Utah, these stories follow Tom, a ten year old mastermind who uses his superior intellect to outwit everyone from the local schoolmaster to his own younger brother. While the escapades are hilarious and full of turn of the century charm, the heart of the book lies in the tension between being smart and being good. It is a fantastic choice for parents who want to discuss the importance of integrity, the weight of responsibility that comes with talent, and the value of using one's gifts for the benefit of others rather than just personal gain. It is best suited for children aged 8 to 12 who enjoy historical fiction with a mischievous edge.