Genius Hour Project, The

The Genius Hour Project
by Leanne Shirtliffe
Published by Thistledown Press
Review by Shelley A. Leedahl
$16.95 ISBN 9781771872577

As a sexagenarian, I never imagined I’d so enjoy a novel featuring an eleven-year-old protagonist, but here’s the thing: good literature is good literature, and Leanne Shirtliffe’s juvenile novel, The Genius Hour Project, certainly fits the bill. This engaging and realistic book was a distinct pleasure to read, with compelling characters and interesting relationship dynamics, and a few serious subplots (divorce, depression) that elevate it leagues above many middle-grade novels. It’s refreshing to read a story for this age group that doesn’t rely on slapstick humour or silly hijinks—the cast may be young, but they’re mature and intelligent.

Shirtliffe’s a longtime educator, a school counsellor and parent who writes credibly about the school and home life of Francine (aka Frazzy), a self-deprecating only child and audiophile with a passion for vintage vinyl albums like The Rolling Stones’ Sticky Fingers. Frazzy’s mother is the busy mayor of “Riverdale,” and her dad stays at home, upcycles lampshades and sells items at flea markets—he also suffers from depression. The Calgary author’s deft treatment of how this manifests for Dad and how his family and friends deal with it demonstrate literary skill and empathy. Although Frazzy occasionally thinks her family’s “the Weirdersons,” her best friend reminds her that “̒At least [her] parents are happy together.’”

The novel delivers insight into contemporary education practices, ie: Frazzy’s teacher, Ms. Zalia, set up her classroom with “flexible seating options”—one can “bounce on an exercise ball instead of wiggle on a chair,” or choose the “Stand-Up,” “Independent,” “Pillow” or “Yoga Station” to work at. The book begins in September, with the Grade Six students—witty Frazzy; her best friend, Mel, a hockey captain; Frazzy’s Farzi-speaking crush, Ebrahim; and bothersome Jake—embarking on something called a Genius Hour Project: a student-driven research project in which students select, research, create and publicly share a project they work on all year.

Grade Six is “supposed to be [Frazzy’s] year for flying under the radar, for being normal, for not embarrassing [herself],” and to that end, she selects a project she thinks won’t cause much of a stir—genius female politicians, including her mother. But Frazzy’s heart’s not in it: music is her passion. Even Ebrahim, for whom she’s making a Spotify playlist, understands that “music is [her] genius.” Should she be true to herself and surreptitiously change projects midway through the year?

Secondary characters have some of the best lines in this book, ie: schoolmate Lyza, who rocked an appearance on the show “The Next Big Voice,” says “̒Music is a gateway to feelings we don’t know we have.’” Jake (of the incessant teasing) tells Frazzy that “̒This world has no place for people like us.’” Also noteworthy are all the nods to the here-and-now, ie: at the flea market, “People …. stream in like they’re squeezing through the doors of Best Buy on Black Friday,” and Youtube’s mentioned a few times.

Splendid on all levels—and a satisfying ending—The Genius Hour Project deserves a gold star.

THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE OR FROM THE SASKATCHEWAN PUBLISHERS GROUP WWW.SKBOOKS.COM