Novel: Millicent Min, Girl Genius

Author: Lisa Yee

Target Audience:  8-12 years

Genre: Contemporary; humor

Publication Year: 2003

Setting: Rancho Rosetta, California; 2000s

A Favorite Quote: “I have been accused of being anal retentive, an over-achiever, and a compulsive perfectionist, like those are bad things.”

My One Sentence Summary: When Millicent Min makes a friend who doesn’t know her I.Q., Millicent is determined to hide her genius, but the deceptions soon began to unravel.

What I loved about this book: Millie is an entertaining character. She might be an eleven year old who’s ready for college, but her problems are rife with middle school drama—embarrassing parents, trouble with friends, and feeling like she doesn’t fit in. The story is funny and fresh and populated with an engaging cast of characters.

 Major themes: Honesty and acceptance in friendships; believing in oneself; tolerance

Who should read this book: Anyone who loves contemporary fiction with a funny narrator should find this an endearing read. It’s an especially good choice for young readers who feel isolated or different from their peers.

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