Book Review: The Genius Files by Dan Gutman

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Why I Picked It Up:

Two reasons.  First, the author is a favorite of mine and my son, he makes both of us giggle as we read.  Second, the twins in the book are named Coke and Pepsi.  Already amused.

Why I Finished It:

There were two lines of adventure for me as I read this book.  First, the family is going on cross-country drive to attend a wedding.  Gutman encourages the reader to MapQuest where they are going as they drive and the mom in the story is intrigued by odd museums.  Yes, the museums really do exist.  So thankful for my phone and Google.  The entire time I was reading, whenever a museum was mentioned, I figured it was made up by the creative Gutman, I found out they are all real-life places. With Google in hand, I felt as though I traveled the United States with Coke and Pepsi.  Throughout the book, there are illustrations of road signs and actual photographs of the places mentioned.  The other line of adventure that kept me hooked, was that Coke and Pepsi, unbeknownst to them have been enlisted in the Genius Files.  There are a handful of people helping them and a handful of people out to kill them.  Not entirely sure who they can trust, they are trying to solve the mystery and stay alive.

Who I Would Give It To:

This is a great book for elementary students.  This would also be a fun read aloud.  This book helps integrate ELA/R and social studies with ease.

Integration Ideas:

Theme: 

Since the kids are working together to solve this crime and stay alive, the theme of courage and perseverance are strong throughout.  Some possible guiding questions for courage are:

• What is courage?
• Is it possible to be courageous and afraid at the same time?
• How can an act of courage affect others?
• Why is courage valued?

Possible guiding questions for perseverance are:

• What is perseverance?
• Is perseverance always a good thing?
• How does perseverance inspire and/or discourage others?

Social Studies, Technology, and Mapping … oh my!

I think I finally realized what it’s like to be in Sherry’s head!  I was reading and thinking about the drive the family was taking in the story when the author suggested on page 117 that I map the trip the kids were taking!  Throughout the story, Gutman provides the reader with sidebars that tell you exactly what to type to follow the McDonalds on their trip.  Perfect.  This is a great time for students to create a personalized map on Google.  Not only map their trip, but include websites, pictures, and information from the crazy museums that they visit.  I feel as though I have driven with the family!

Check out our map here: https://goo.gl/guJIYh

Add a writing element by having students write a summary of the family’s stop at that location in the placemarker.

Add some visualization by having students find or draw images of the place.

Research:

Admittedly, odd museums is not in the standards, but you won’t be able to stop the curiosity of your students as they read this book.  Who are we to squelch the natural inquiry process of students?  This is the perfect time to pull out those research standards and social studies standards and see what learning you can create for your students.  Here are some websites about strange museums to get you started:

– America’s Most Unusual Museums (Fodor’s)

– 26 weird museums to visit for the ultimate American road trip (It’s a “mashable,” so I can’t guarantee the ads)

– 8 Wacky Museums Kids will Love

– 9 Family Museums

Additional Resources

Check out Dan Gutman’s Websites: http://www.booksandgames.com/dan-gutman-activities and http://dangutman.com/