At age 34, Marvin X. Brodinsky has the mind of a small boy-and a passion for unlocking the universe's secrets. His dream: for help inventing a formula that will raise his mental age, so he can become a "real" scientist. Enter 10-year-old Dirk Fowler, a gifted science student whose dream is for a "real" dad-one who won't abandon him or his reclusive, poetry-writing mom. When the Fowlers move in with their Great Aunt Helen (philanthropist, militant Creationist and, at age 100, Ferris Island's most formidable resident), Dirk and Marvin develop a special friendship. But can the two best friends fulfill each other's dreams? And can their friendship survive a scandal, a near-tragedy, a possibly-doomed romance between Marvin and Dirk's mom-and a wacky "Great Debate" spearheaded by Great Aunt Helen? The Great Mental Challenges of Marvin X. Brodinsky include unlocking the mysteries of friendship, love, and loyalty-as well as answering the question: What is the true meaning of genius?