Napa County Reads

Integrating real science facts with humor and suspense, and featuring an ensemble cast of loveable boy and girl characters, this uniquely engaging series is an irresistible chemical reaction for middle-grade readers. With easy-to-read language presented in a fun, motivating, and accessible way, this series opener is a great book for both inquisitive kids and reluctant readers. The book also includes information about the science discussed and used to solve the mystery, as well as a cool science project about density that kids can do at home or in the classroom. “Jack and the Geniuses: At the Bottom of the World” is the first in a series.

Want to Read “Jack and the Geniuses”?
“Jack and the Geniuses” is available from local independent bookstore Napa Bookmine.  You can also access a free digital copy of the book through Hoopla with your Napa County Library card.

About Gregory Mone

Gregory Money is the author or co-author of twelve books for adults and kids, including Fish, Dangerous Waters, and (with Bill Nye) the Jack and the Geniuses series.  The author hopes you’re interested in robots, space, aliens, pirates, mysteries, thought experiments, boats, Ireland, or swimming. Oh, and computer science and AI, too.

Jack and the Geniuses Teacher Resources (external website, new window)
Links to resources, discussion of themes

Napa County Reads, coordinated by the Napa County Office of Education, is a coalition of educators and community members dedicated to improving the reading experiences of students throughout Napa County with an emphasis on middle schools. Each year the Committee selects a book which is read in the fall, followed by special events that include a visit from the author. The community is invited to join students in reading the selected book and attending the author events.

Teachers – Do you want your class to participate? Contact Napa County Reads Coordinator.

Thanks to our Generous Napa County Reads Partners

10. Kick off your school year with a great book.
9. Assist students in getting excited about reading.
8. Tackle Common Core Standards.
7. Go wide with interdisciplinary activities and PBL.
6. Follow through on character education.
5. Create space for coachable/teachable moments.
4. Stretch out with technology and social media.
3. Engage your students in exciting community activities to celebrate each year’s selection (and meet the author!)
2. Your district has given you approval to go forward.
1. No Pressure!

“Refugee”, by Alan Gratz

• Teacher Tools for Refugee (external website, new window)
• Supplemental Media for Refugee (external website, new window)
• Virtual Reality Links for Refugee (external website, new window)
• Student Art Project Information PDF (new window)

2003: Francisco Jimenez, The Circuit

2004: Joyce Maynard, The Cloud Chamber

2005: Walter Dean Myers, Fallen Angels

2006: Francisco Jimenez, Breaking Through

2007: Gennifer Choldenko, Al Capone Does My Shirts

2008: Audrey Shafer, The Mailbox

2009: Francisco Jimenez, Reaching Out

2010: Lynn Hazen, Shifty

2011: Suzanne Morgan, Williams Bull Rider

2012: Andrea Montalbano, Breakaway

2013: Michael Pollan, Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual

2014: N.H. Senzai, Shooting Kabul

2014: Peter Menzel/Faith D’Aluisio, Hungry Planet

2015: Francisco Jimenez, Selected Biographies

2016: S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders

2017: Chris Grabenstein, Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library

2019: Alan Gratz, Refugee

2020: Jerry Craft, New Kid