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Great book for middle grade boys (and girls) who think they don’t like to read. Includes things that make them giggle–pigs, smart classmates who aren’t socially smart, ‘secret’ societies, good friends, computers, did I mention pigs? Precocious 13 year old is selected to attend college early and may bring one friend with him for the summer session. The ‘genius’ lacks common sense and is protected by his sensible buddy when they stay in the college dorm. With the college mascot–a pig-kept in the bathtub. How could anything go wrong???

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This book was really fun. I love that this series is still going strong, all these years later. Was it a little hard to believe? Definitely. But that didn't stop me from enjoying it. I would probably say I liked Ungifted a little more than this one, but they both have so much to enjoy for readers.

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This is not the summer vacation Donovan Curtis had in mind. Instead of settling in on the couch, Donovan is accompanying Noah—his friend with a 206 IQ—to his first semester at Wilderton College. Noah begins taking college classes while Donovan is a Counselor in Training for a group of eight-year-olds, and each boy is faced with unexpected challenges. With secrecy at the heart of everything, the two companions find themselves immersed in a comical and unlikely series of events from which it is difficult to emerge. But life has a way of remedying even the strangest of wrongs, and with enough patience and wisdom, the summer becomes one the two boys will never forget. This humorous middle grade novel is told from multiple points of view, utilizing unique and memorable voices to recount each character’s story. Each chapter is brief and adds forward momentum to the plot, giving readers more information than any one character has on their own. Not only are there secrets in the college landscape itself, but more enigmas are built upon one another as the story progresses, and the characters must become devious in order to achieve their goals. Though Noah is the only protagonist with a genius IQ, the narrative demonstrates that intelligence comes in many forms, and a high IQ score does not necessarily equate to overall intelligence. Showcasing the increasing independence middle grade students are developing, this book effectively features a selection of youth who are learning to shoulder increasing amounts of responsibility. Funny and mysterious, this clever novel is an enjoyable addition to library collections for upper middle grade readers.

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The third Ungifted MG book out in 2026!
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Noah and Donovan are back! It’s the summer after 8th grade graduation and Noah has just graduated HIGH SCHOOL as an 8th grader and is being sent off to college for the summer due to his high intelligence. Donovan is not happy at all when Noah chooses for him to attend the university as well, with Donovan being a camp counselor. But the summer turns out to be more wild than either of them imagine with a first crush, missing potbelly pig, a camp kid who disappears for hours at a time, a new AI program that goes rogue and a secret society Noah is desperate to be a part of.
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If you’re familiar with the first two books in this series then you will love the return of these two boys and the shenanigans they get into. At its core this novel series is about friendship, seeing things from others’ point of view and not growing up too fast. This title releases February 3!

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Note: I received a DRC from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

“Hypergifted” is the third book in the “Ungifted” trilogy, as this book focuses on Noah, the boy genius, and Donovan, a regular teen, and their friendship with each other as Noah heads to Wilderton University over the summer, and Donovan ends up getting dragged along as well, told through several characters points of view. If you enjoyed the first two books in the “Ungifted” series, then you will definitely enjoy this book.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

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I have rarely been as excited to read a book as I was to read this one, I teach a class for gifted middle school age students on Giftedness in media and we use the first two books in this series (Ungifted and Supergifted) as reading selections. They are favorites among my students and give a lot of room for discussion about IQ testing, gifted programs, gifted traits, inclusion, etc, and whether Donovan is really “Ungifted”-or is it possible that he’s gifted, just in a way that doesn’t show on IQ tests? it is clearly obvious that Korman not only knows gifted kids, but that he IS one himself-and that he recognizes that Giftedness isn’t always a gift.

I was even more excited to see that this one takes on Noah going to college, because it’s not uncommon for my students to start college classes when others their age are starting middle or high school. And I think this book will be similarly great for discussion. While this is a very exaggerated example (most schools do not allow early college students to live on campus before 16-17, and those that accept younger students have specific dorms and far more supervision than Noah and Donovan have), much of what they face in this book, such as Noah’s social struggles with other students, being easily taken advantage of. and having your first crush on an adult who only sees you as a little kid is far too familiar to many of my students. While most of my students don’t try to smuggle a mascot into the dorms (although “no animals in the dorm” is a pretty common rule for gifted summer programs for a reason), getting in over their head and not wanting to ask for help is a common refrain, and Noah and Donovan will provide ample fuel to discuss this without having to get into individual student experiences or having students feel that they’re being called out. Korman’s exaggeration will work well.

Overall, I think this is an excellent book, a fun book, and one that will greatly appeal to many kids who will see themselves in Noah, Donovan, or both.

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I enjoyed this book and the pace of the story. I loved that Noah was a boy genius but also struggled with common teenage issues. I love that his friendship was never lost and the hilarity that ensued with the problem that found them.

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Thanks to Net Galley I was able to read this fun book before it's released. I really enjoyed the story. as am elementary Librarian, I have read a lot of Gordon Korman books and have never been disappointed. Who can be disappointed with a Korman book?
I liked this book because it was very different from any of his other books and it was an adventure. I cannot imagine going to college as a 13 year old. I loved the friendship between Noah and Donovan. They compliment each other perfectly. Throw a pig into the story and a secret society, and you'll want to keep reading to see what happens!
It was just fun to read. I know my students will love it and can't wait to get it for our library! I have never read the first two books in the series, so I will be going back to do that, but I loved how you can read this book alone and enjoy it. I am sure having some backstory would have made it even more likable, but for kids who struggle with reading series due to lack of stamina, I like that I can suggest this book and the reader will be able to follow the story. As always, great work Gordon Korman!

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Gordon Korman writes characters that are entertaining and easy to root for! This is so true for the characters in Hypergifted! Kids will enjoy reading this one! There’s so much they will relate to and much to keep them turning the pages!

After all, what can go wrong with Noah and Donavon in a college campus for the summer with frats, secret societies, Porquette the Wild Hog, and crushes on on older girl who has a boyfriend named Gator involved?

Keep ‘em coming, Gordon! Your stories are engaging and meaningful! I genuinely feel that any students spending time with your characters and their experiences are bound to develop into some fantastic citizens of the world.

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Noah is super smart and was given an admission letter to attend Wilderton University after 8th grade. His best friend, Donovan has been asked to go with him to help ease the transition to college.

Donovan is working as a counselor-in-training during the summer. Noah is determined to get into the secret Society of the Gavel. Donovan acts like his age and Noah doesn't quite fit in with the other college students. Even with an IQ of 206, Noah falls for things too easily. Both end up having quite the adventurous summer.

The book is a quick read for middle schoolers.

Thank you Gordon Korman, Netgalley and HarperCollins Publishers for the opportunity to read this eArc preview.

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Noah and Donovan are back, and we are the luckier for it!
Korman has, as always, written a sensitive and humorous account of Noah, (who has one of the highest IQ's ever measured) and is off to college after 8th grade. He brings along his average sort-of-pal who wants nothing more than to veg out all summer. And the fun begins!
The author's collection of books in my Media Center are always out and on hold and for good reason. His writing incorporates just the right balance of humor and angst that make the story a hit. The chapters were written from the various characters' point of view which made it even more inviting.
A fun great read!

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Hypergifted by Gordon Korman is an engaging follow-up that brings back fan-favorites Noah and Donovan, this time taking on the challenge of college life ~ during the summer, no less. The format of the book, with each chapter told from a different character's perspective, adds depth and variety to the storytelling, making it feel fresh and dynamic throughout.

What really stood out to me was how both Noah and Donovan had their own meaningful arcs. Their distinct strengths and personalities came through clearly, and each played an important role in moving the story forward. The book strikes a nice balance between humor and mystery, keeping things light yet intriguing at the same time.

While it might not have the same high-stakes feel as Ungifted, the college setting adds a new twist, and Korman’s trademark wit and clever character dynamics are still very much present. A solid, entertaining read ~ definitely worth picking up if you’re a fan of the series!

I will be adding this book, to finish of the series, in my library for my students to read.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books | HarperCollins for the ARC.

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Noah and Donovan are back and this time they are headed to college. This was a fun story that students will enjoy, especially if they have read the other books in the series. When Noah is accepted to college he takes Donovan along for support. Kids will laugh as both boys experience the ups and downs of life on campus and being on their own for the entire summer.

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What a fun story! Hypergifted is part of Gordon Korman's Ungifted series, and it did not disappoint. Written from several characters points of view, Hypergifted continues the story of the friendship between HIGHLY gifted super-genius, Noah, who just wants to be like everyone else his age, and his friend, Donovan, who IS just like everyone else his age. Their friendship is delightful and cracks me up.

As a teacher, I'm excited to recommend this book and the rest of the series to my students!

Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the advanced e-copy of this book. :)

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Noah gets a letter right after his 8th grade year inviting him to college, they would like him to come to the summer session to get used to college life and he can bring a friend as there won’t be many 13-year olds at college. But Noah wants nothing more than to just go to 9th grade like everyone else and be normal. Meanwhile Noah chooses Donovan to go to college with him and to give Donovan something to keep him busy while Noah is in class Donovan is going to be a counselor at the summer day camp for the kids in the area. How do they fair through the summer? Read the book you’ll love it.
What can I say but author Gordon Korman has knocked another book out of the park. This is such a wonderful story with some very wonderful characters, and the things that happen can totally happen, well I am not sure about the poker games, but I digress. Don’t forget the baloney for this is the best summer ever.

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When I requested this book I didn’t know it as the 3rd in a series. I quickly caught up on the first two books, which I loved! The 3rd book was a great addition to the series and very enjoyable. Genius Noah gets invited to college for the summer, but since he’s only 13 he brings a companion with him to stay in the dorms- Donovan! The book follows their crazy adventures that summer.

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A classic Korman middle grade hit with heart, humor, and high IQs!

Hypergifted delivers exactly what I’ve come to expect from Gordon Korman: a fun, fast-paced read with quirky characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and deeper messages about friendship, identity, and the pressures of being different. The story follows Oliver, who has an off-the-charts IQ and finds himself at a special school for hypergifted kids — but fitting in isn’t as easy as it seems when everyone is brilliant in their own way.

I loved the way Korman balances the challenges of being "too smart" with the everyday struggles of growing up. The supporting cast of characters is diverse and entertaining, and as always, there’s a layer of heart beneath the humor that makes you root for all of them.

Perfect for fans of Ungifted or The Unteachables, and a great pick for middle grade readers who enjoy stories about friendship, belonging, and embracing who you are.

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Gordan Korman has another hit on his hands with this one. I loved the idea of a genius and an average (almost underachiever) joining forces for some college summer fun. Noah is a 13 yr old genius with an IQ of 206 who gets invited to skip high school and tonight to college. He’s invited to come over the summer to settle in and is allowed to bring a friend with him to help him adjust. Hilarious adventures ensue shortly after. Middle grade students will love this quirky duo.

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Gordon Korman has done it again! This is the third book in his "Ungifted" series, which may be read out of order, yet is more fun to read in a sequence. There are really only two main characters from the first two books; the reader will have more of a back story if read sequentially. This time our dynamic duo are living on a college campus for the summer. As always, our gifted character is balanced by our non gifted character, showing that everyone is "gifted" in different ways. This was a fun, fast read that I will enjoy with my fifth and sixth grade classes during school next year. Thank you to Netgalley for this free e-book in exchange for an honest review.

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I was so excited to see a third book in this series, finally returning to the world of Noah & Donovan! As always, Korman has a unique gift of writing middle grades novels that are realistic, humorous, and focus on middle grade issues like bullying, acceptance, and overcoming obstacles. While this book maybe a little bit more unrealistic than the first two, it was still extremely enjoyable.

Noah is a literal genius, with a 206 IQ. The novel starts at his middle school graduation, where not only does Noah find out he has graduated middle school, but also high school, and has been accepted to a local university and gets to bring along his friend Donovan (not a genius) for summer session. Upon arrival, Noah learns of the Society of the Gavel and becomes obsessed with getting in, while Donovan is a counselor in training at the summer camp ran by the college. Drama and chaos ensues, as it always does in a Gordon Korman novel. This is a solid novel that I know my middle schoolers will enjoy, but I did feel it was a bit more silly/unrealistic than the first two novels in the series and that the ending was a bit rushed. Overall, always an enjoyable read when you pick up a Gordon Korman novel!

Thanks NetGalley for an advanced reader copy.

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