Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen Kate Quealy-Gainer Gephart, Donna . Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen. Delacorte, 2012. 278p. Library ed. ISBN 978-0-375-98952-0 $19.99 Trade ed. ISBN 978-0-385-74052-4 $16.99 E-book ed. ISBN 978-0-375-89940-9 $10.99 R Gr. 4-6. Brainiac Olivia Bean has watched Jeopardy! every evening since she was a little girl, but the nightly tradition just hasn't been the same since her father and fellow trivia-phile took off for California two years ago. When the show announces auditions for Kids Week, Olivia is intent on making the cut, not only to compete but, more importantly, to get a plane ticket out to the show's taping in L.A. with the hopes of meeting up with her estranged dad. Now that she's twelve years old, however, this is Olivia's last chance to play the kids' round, so she's willing to accept help from just about anyone, including both the patronizing whiz kid next door and her mother's annoying boyfriend, who also happens to be a pretty smart librarian. Mathletes, geography bee-sters, and kids who've answered the siren's song of debate club will immediately relate to Olivia's passion for knowledge (and the social ostracizing that sometimes accompanies it); just about all readers, regardless of their study habits, will recognize her struggles to fit in, particularly as the dynamics in both her family and school life shift. Gephart offers Olivia's father little redemption when he fails to even show up for the taping, but Olivia's determination in spite of his neglect will have readers rooting for her success. A tender, funny portrayal of a girl learning to appreciate both what she has and what she has to offer, this will appeal to both the brains and hearts of readers. [End Page 455] Copyright © 2012 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois