Jake Drake, Know-It-All Book

Jake Drake loves everything to do with computers. So when his school announces that the winner of the third grade science fair with win a grand prize state of the art computer system and a year of free internet access, he is determined to win. But Jake faces strong competition from the class know-it-alls, and he is willing to put off his best friend's offer to partner up with him, as he has his sights set on that grand prize, which cannot be easily shared.

This was written in 2001, but the computer technologies described feel mid-nineties, and the opening chapter is a fun, nerdy walk down memory lane, dropping references to some classic games and software.

What really shines through, though, is the science fair sequences. The story was fun and realistic. Jake comes up with a very doable project, gives a very nice overview of the scientific method (plus a page-long list of everything in his junk drawer!), and captures the joy of learning through hands-on science.

I also liked Jake's friendship with Willie, the best friend Jake at first leaves behind when he embarks on his quest to make himself the biggest know-it-all at school. Stories that show kids appreciating the value of friendship always leave good feelings, and this one does it especially well.

This was a school assignment for my own Kiddo (Grade 3, just like Jake), and I felt like it was a nice introduction to the scientific method for him, with his own science fair a few months away.