About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is struggling to find their place in the shadow of a high-achieving or charismatic older sibling. It is an ideal choice for a child who feels 'average' and needs to see that kindness and emotional intelligence are just as valuable as raw academic brilliance or cunning. Set in turn-of-the-century Utah, the story follows nine-year-old J.D. as he attempts to fill the shoes of his genius older brother, Tom. While J.D. initially fails at being a mastermind, he discovers that his own 'little brain' is uniquely suited for empathy, helping a lonely younger boy, and solving community problems through heart rather than trickery. It is a warm, humorous, and deeply relatable exploration of identity and self-worth for the elementary years.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
1. DISTRESS: There is a suspenseful sequence involving a kidnapping where a character is held at gunpoint. While J.D. uses his wits to save the day, the threat of physical harm is palpable. Additionally, the character Frankie experiences the death of his parents (off-page) and initial rejection by his new peers, which may cause sadness for sensitive readers. 2. CONVERSATION: None.
Ideal Reader
A middle-grade reader who enjoys historical fiction and 'trickster' stories, particularly a child who has felt compared to a sibling and needs to see that their personal strengths are valid.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared to discuss the historical context of the early 1900s, including different disciplinary styles and the concept of 'swindling' or 'trading' which the brothers frequently engage in. Additionally, while not strictly required, reading the previous Great Brain books provides helpful context for the family dynamics. The moment J.D. realizes he isn't 'special' like his brother can be painful for a parent to witness, as it reflects a child's struggle with low self-esteem.
Age Experience
Younger readers (8-9) will enjoy the humor and J.D.'s schemes. Older readers (11-12) will better appreciate the nuanced shift from J.D.'s selfishness to his genuine empathy for Frankie.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many 'smart kid' books that focus on academic genius, this story celebrates emotional intelligence and the 'little brain' that prioritizes people over profits.
Read plot summary
J.D. (John Dennis Fitzgerald) has spent his life as the younger brother and 'assistant' to Tom, also known as The Great Brain. When Tom leaves for boarding school, J.D. tries to adopt Tom's persona as a mastermind and 'hustler' in their small town of Adenville, Utah. However, J.D. lacks his brother's cold calculation. The plot shifts when the family adopts an orphaned boy named Frankie. J.D. must move past his own jealousy and desire for attention to help Frankie adjust, eventually using his wits to save Frankie from a dangerous situation involving a kidnapper.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
J.D. tries very hard to be like his brother Tom. Why do you think he felt he had to act like someone else to be important?
2
When Frankie first arrives, J.D. feels jealous of the attention the new boy gets. Have you ever felt that way when someone new joined your family or class?
3
J.D. realizes his 'little brain' works differently than Tom's 'great brain.' What is one thing your brain is especially good at that is different from your friends or siblings?
4
How does J.D. use his ventriloquism skills to help Frankie, and why was that more important than using it to play a trick?
