The Genius Under the Table

The Genius Under the Table
Eugene Yelchin
Candlewick, 2021 
201 pages
Grades 4-7
Biography/Narrative Memoir

Newbery honor winner, Yelchin, relates his childhood growing up behind the iron curtain in Leningrad, USSR. Young Yevgeny's family must share a room in a communal apartment, where a soviet spy lurks behind the door waiting to report their secrets. In order to secure a private apartment in the communist nation, people have to be "extraordinary" by either moving up through the government or displaying a talent. Yevgeny's brother is an amazing figure skater and is sure to excel up the ranks of success, yet the parents are concerned about Yevgeny. He does not seem to display any exceptional trait. Mother, who in her past had dreams of becoming a ballerina, Works for the most important ballet company in the nation and feels that it may become a path for Yevgeny, who could be the next Baryshnikov. The problem is, Yevgeny is not particularly coordinated. He spends his nights on his cot under the large table in the family's room drawing on his wooden ceiling with pencil. Could he be a talented artist? His art teacher doesn't think so. What is a lively boy with no skills to do in order to stand out in this tricky society?

Thank goodness Yelchin finally discovered his talent and brought it to the United States, because his books are truly wonderful. He is an excellent author, as well as illustrator.  Though not as extreme as the boy in the Newbery honor Breaking Stalin's Nose, Yevgeny is an unreliable narrator, as he does not understand many of the secrets lurking underneath his day-to-day life. As he makes sense of his world and eventually finds his place in it, readers will be encouraged to discover their own talents and be inspired to know that life can get better. Even though the subject matter is serious, there is humor running through the narrative. Black and white comic illustrations, drawn by the author, grace the pages and enhance the text and reading experience. The story is nuanced and we see Yevgeny's understanding of his world unfold slowly as he grows and matures. All of the characters are expertly drawn and readers will feel as if we know them. No matter how great it is, kids will not pick up this book on their own--and if they do, chances are they won't understand it. The Genius Under the Table would be best shared with grown-ups and would make a terrific read-aloud.  Give to fans of the childhood memoirs of Jerry Spinelli and Gary Paulsen.