Review: Evil Genius by Catherine Jinks496 pages
Age suggestion: Middle school and up
Gender suggestion: Boys will like this more than girls
Recommendation: Mixed
I read this book back in October, but I haven't been sure what to say about it. It's definitely popular right now, and it is a good read. But here's my problem with it: there is not a single redeeming adult character in the whole book. Instead, the adults are corrupt, morally bankrupt, or absent. Sure, there are plenty of books out there in which adults are largely absent or ineffectual--that's okay--children feel that way about adults, no doubt. But books in which adults are actively evil and with no good counterpoint leave a bad taste in my mouth.
So, I will not fully endorse this book. However, I will admit it is well written and kids will probably enjoy reading it.
