My Brilliant Idea written by Stuart David, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Meet fifteen-year-old Jack "The Jackdaw" Dawson, a high school student with a knack for coming up with wild ideas. During a daydream in class, Jack conceives the ultimate plan: to create an app that prevents students from zoning out, thinking it will bring him fame and fortune. To make this vision a reality, Jack seeks the help of Elsie "Greensleeves" Green, a brilliant programmer who harbors a deep-seated dislike for him. In exchange for her assistance, she demands an outrageous favor. As Jack navigates these increasingly absurd demands, he finds himself caught in a web of schemes involving his parents, uncle, cousin, and classmates. The story unfolds with a blend of humor and chaos, showcasing Jack's charming yet misguided optimism. While readers may initially struggle with the British slang and pacing, they will find Jack's journey relatable as he grapples with his parents' contrasting expectations. Ultimately, "The Jackdaw" is a comedic tale of friendship, deception, and the trials of adolescence, culminating in unexpected revelations and a satisfying conclusion. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: By organizing a book club, students can discuss Jack's entrepreneurial spirit while exploring their own ideas for app development. Librarians can facilitate workshops where students brainstorm and pitch their app concepts, mimicking Jack's attempts, while encouraging critical thinking about ethical implications in technology. This book is a good choice for independent reading. I think it can appeal to both boys and girls with an interest in technology. The author is interesting in that he is a Scottish musician, novelist, and co-founder of Belle and Sebastian, now fronting Looper and authoring seven novels and a memoir. I think this was his first and only YA book.