Published: 2023
Series: N/A
Author: Gordon Korman
Illustrator: N/A
Genres: Mystery, Humor, Science Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction, School Stories
Audience: Grades 3–7
Number of Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads Link: The Superteacher Project
Triggers: Mild bullying, school pranks, discussions of artificial intelligence
Review By: Kim LeRoy
Publisher’s Summary:
Oliver Zahn, spitball champion and self-declared rule-wrecker of Brightling Middle School, is not a fan of his new homeroom teacher, Mr. Aidact. The guy is sort of stiff, never cracks a smile, and refers to them as “pupils.” The worst part is he catches Oliver before he can pull any of his signature pranks! It’s time for Oliver and his best friend, Nathan, to show the new teacher who’s boss.
But as the weeks go by, they start to realize that Mr. Aidact is not what they expected. He has an uncanny ability to remember song lyrics or trivia. When the girls’ field hockey team needs a new coach, he suddenly turns out to be an expert. He never complains when other teachers unload work on him, even when it’s lunchroom duty and overseeing detention. Against all odds, Mr. Aidact starts to become the most popular teacher at Brightling.
Still, Oliver and Nathan know that something is fishy. They’re determined to get to the bottom of the mystery: What’s the deal with Mr. Aidact?
Review:
This was a fun read, although it’s pretty easy to guess what is going on with the teacher. This story is told from different viewpoints, and it’s interesting as it follows all sorts of different students at the school. It’s fun to watch the ways they relate to the teacher Mr. Aidact. I think most readers will be able to connect with at least one of the characters which is one of the great things about books with multiple points of view. Nathan and Oliver pull all sorts of pranks, and it’s fun to watch them try and squirm their way out of trouble. Rule followers will relate to Rosalie who is so over Nathan and Oliver’s antics and also has to deal with her mom’s crush on her teacher.
Korman does a great job of meshing science fiction adventure with everyday school life. It did make me wonder if this could actually be possible in my lifetime and I think it might be. It’s funny, entertaining, pulls on your heart strings just enough, and overall a great read.
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- ELA / Science / Technology:
- Students can analyze multiple points of view, character development, and plot structure while also discussing the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in schools and society.
- Extension Activity / Library Application:
- Have students design their own AI teacher and create a presentation explaining its strengths, weaknesses, and potential impact on learning. This title would also work well for a book club discussion about technology and the future of education.
- Diversity & Representation:
- The novel features a variety of student personalities and perspectives, allowing many readers to see themselves reflected in the story while encouraging empathy for classmates with different experiences and viewpoints.
Readalikes:
- The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman
- The Library of Ever by Zeno Alexander
- Fuzzy Tom Angleberger & Paul Dellinger
- The Revolt of the Miniature Mutants by Bruce Coville & Glen Mullaly
