If you want a fun book to put a smile on your face, read this one. This is one of those books that intrigued me when it came out in 2009, and now eight years later I am kicking myself for not reading it sooner.

Oliver Watson is a genius. And he has used this genius to become the almost richest man in the world. Except no one knows it's him. To the world he is a dumb, tubby, 8th grader, who is lucky he can tie his shoes. He hides his genius. I can’t explain the reasons without giving away the book. He decides to show up a certain character and become class president. But creating an election with no opponent is not good enough, he has to run against someone and win. Between causing a coup in Africa, and searching for the unobtainable Star Wars figure, how is he ever going to become class president? Luckily he has minions and the Pythons to help him out.

At first reading I feel like I have become friends with Zac Morris (please tell me you have seen Saved by the Bell). Oliver talks just like Zac does, and he even includes comical footnotes. The footnote about Miley Cyrus had me rolling my eyes in a good way. He has these schemes that seem like they should never work, but he has confidence, and the money and power to make things happen. At about the halfway point we stir in some Despicable Me. The book pre-dates the movie, but it is an accurate description. Evil Genius, but maybe with a conscience. Maybe not.

It is like reading the script for a Nickelodeon show. It’s impossible, crazy, funny, and it has heart. I could see this being a great book for a middle school book club.
#BeatTheBackList #William- character who deals in money
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