I loved the different POVs and how the storylines connected throughout. I liked that the ending was not what we expected to happen, too. I am glad I read this finally!

Frederick Douglass Zezzmer enjoys science, technology, engineering, and math, and hopes to win his school’s coveted B-B trophy from the most competitive assignment on campus. A few curve balls are thrown his way though, when he is put on a team he doesn’t want to be on and he has to also participate in art and sports while on the competition. Frederick has to figure out how he plans to win this competition before his dad puts him in a summer sports camp with his step-brother.

This middle-grade book was enjoyable because I found that it had characters of all types with different hobbies that would be relatable to anyone. It covers some topics of how to handle differences with friends and family members while still trying to be true to yourself.

Loved this one, such a great story. Great for middle schoolers. Highly recommend. It will be very enjoyed by kids

As a middle school teacher, I especially loved this book. I will be recommending it to all of my students! Very realistic!

"Control Freaks" is a heartwarming and inspiring middle-grade novel that combines the power of friendship, determination, and the pursuit of one's dreams in the face of parental expectations.

Frederick Douglass Zezzmer, or Doug as he's known, is a young inventor with a passion for creating innovative gadgets. He dreams of becoming The World's Greatest Inventor, a dream fueled by his remarkable inventions. However, there's a catch—his father, the retired football player Elliott "EZ" Zezzmer, has a different plan for Doug's future. He expects his son to follow in his footsteps and pursue a career in professional sports.

Doug refuses to abandon his love for inventing and concocts a plan to prove himself and win his father's support of his aspirations.. To achieve this, he must win the golden Benjamin Banneker College Prep trophy, a challenging competition organized by Principal Yee that encompasses STEM challenges, arts, and sports events. The twist? Doug is paired with a group of middle school outcasts who are not particularly skilled in his areas of expertise.

Facing the daunting task of turning his misfit team into winners within a week, Doug embarks on a journey of self-discovery and camaraderie. As he navigates the challenges of the competition and forms unlikely friendships, Doug learns valuable lessons about teamwork, resilience, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

"Control Freaks" is a delightful and relatable story that resonates with young readers as it explores themes of identity, parental expectations, and the pursuit of one's passions. Doug's character is endearing and his determination to follow his dreams is both inspiring and heartwarming. This middle-grade novel is a testament to the power of friendship and self-belief, making it an engaging and motivating read for children and adults alike.

I was unsure going into this book what to expect. It seemed like an interesting story but I was uncertain where the author was going with it. But I was rather amazed by how much I truly loved this story! The characters felt so real to me and they all were likeable. I also loved the overall theme of working together and believing in yourself, at least that’s what I took from it.

It was such a cozy, feel good fun middle grade contemporary read. I was pleasantly surprised by how everything was wrapped up in the end. Characters that I couldn’t stand throughout the whole story ended up being ones that I especially loved at the end. The author did an amazing job with this story and I can’t wait for more! If you love strong competitive spirits and embracing team work, then this book is for you!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was such an easy read. I adore how quickly I came to love the characters and root for them. Like every middle grade book I've read recently, I spend the entire book wanting to YEET the parents right out, but this time the author resolved that conflict.

Competitive science, friendship, coming of age, and a story of what it means to be friends- this was a fun and light and fluffy story!

This book really had me thinking. So many great themes woven into an entertaining story. The author did a great job of creating and connecting diverse characters together.

Doug has his future all planned out. He’s going to impress his middle school principal, be chosen to represent the school at GadgetCon, and launch his career as a world famous inventor.

But all this stuff keeps getting in the way of those plans. Like a father who’s popped back into his life and wants him to be all about sports. And a step brother who’s the worst. And now he has to do a team competition with the weirdest kids at school.

But Doug has a plan.

This was a really fun read. I loved the perspectives of all the kids AND the adults as it really fleshed out the story. I can’t wait to add this to my kid’s bookshelf.

Welcome to Benjamin Banneker College Perp Middle School STEAMS (science, technology, engineering, art, math, and sports) competition, Douglas Zezzmer wants to prove his invention schools to his principal, but didn't expect his team, TravLiUeyPadgeyZezzm, to not only push forward in the competition, but to become a true team and friends. While dealing with the competition, Doug has to tutor his stepbrother, TW, and try to convince his father, former Denver Broncho, Elliot, that his track lines with inventing, not sports. The narrative is hilarious and digs deep into each character as the perspectives jump from mostly Doug to other members of his team, other students, his step brother, his teachers, and even his parents and step parents. Each character is unique and their perspectives help highlight some of the true complexities of middle school, especially for intelligent, talented, and socially awkward overachievers while trying to navigate the stress and demands of their families. The cast is diverse, not only racially, but in their drives and talents. This book brings all aspects of the STEAMS premise and competition into the forefront while not losing the feel of middle school and family drama. Well worth the read for children who enjoy different genres and hobbies.

A nice book about a STEAM competition but also about family. I think kids will love this book. It is especially useful for children who themselves are part of blended families, like the characters in this book.

Control Freaks was a fun ride through an elite middle school where a STEAMS challenge is mixing things up and pushing the students to learn not just to think outside the box, but to work with others.

Doug is desperate to win the competition to secure a spot at GadgetCon which is a big step towards becoming the greatest inventor of all time! His best friend Huey just wants to get through the competition without having to take center stage.

The activities and elimination rounds are fun and really drive the story along, but beyond the competition, there is an important story of what it means to be a parent, and how to communicate as a family. Both Doug and Huey are part of blended families, and their different experiences and circumstances really highlight what makes a family and how key it is to communicate about the important things.

A fun read with so much goodness to take away from the story!