The Smartest Kid in the Universe: Evil Genius by Chris Grabenstein

In this third installment of the Smartest Kid in the Universe series, Jake McQuade—now a certified genius thanks to the accidental ingestion of “Ingestible Knowledge” jelly beans—faces his biggest challenge yet. When a new villain emerges with a plan to outsmart Jake and take over the school (and possibly the world), Jake and his friends must use their wits, courage, and teamwork to stop the chaos. The story blends humor, mystery, and fast-paced adventure, making it a strong pick for middle‑grade readers who enjoy action and comedy.