Marilee Haynes

Gabe is an average boy who has an above average IQ. He wants to fit in and not be singled out for his academic achievements. He wants to be able to go outside and play basketball with his dad and make a basket. He wants to hang out with his friends. He wants to be accepted and feel like he belongs.

When Gabe is singled out as a genius in his middle school, his life takes a turn for the worse. Some of his friends are jealous. Some kids make fun of him. Some turn their backs on him. His school principal wants to make him a leader. It's not what Gabe wants.

This book is a very realistic look at the psyche of teenage society. Gabe and his classmates learn some hard and wonderful lessons about life and the things that are important. This book is about empowering kids to be true to themselves and making good decisions.

There are religious settings in the book. Gabe attends a Catholic school. While religion is important to the characters, it is not the underlying theme of the book. This is a great book for kids and adults no matter what their religion.… (meer)