It Doesn't Take a Genius Book Review

Summer Camps are re-opening this year and It Doesn't Take a Genius by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich is a great read to get the kiddos hyped for Summer.

Emmett and his older brother Luke have always been "Batman and Robin," though they're quick to bicker about who's who. Spending the summer at a historic Black summer camp seems like a wonderful adventure for the two to share, but since Luke is there as a junior counselor, he seems to spend all of his time being everyone else's big brother, and ignoring Emmett. 

As Luke seems to be moving on to new adventures, Emmett struggles in unexpected ways, especially in swim class and the "It Takes A Village" entrepreneurship class. Without his brother to turn to for support, Emmett works to build a new crew of "superfriends," who'll help him plan something spectacular for the end-of-camp awards night and celebration. Along the way, Emmett learns that no matter what, there can be many ways to define family. 

It Doesn't Take a Genius is inspired by the feature film Boy Genius, starring Miles Brown, Rita Wilson, and Nora Dunn. 

Our Thoughts:  We absolutely loved this book!  The age difference between the siblings was so relatable.  Sometimes having a much older sibling can be difficult when the older sibling is growing up and gaining their independence while the younger sibling is well, seen as too young.  It's just part of growing up and the author does a great job of weaving relatable situations into this fictional tale.  

We saw the movie last year so we were familiar with characters.  Oh while we're at it, be sure to check out Boy Genius  and be sure to pick up your copy of It Doesn't Take a Genius. 

Buy It:  Amazon, Barnes and Noble