“The problem with science fairs is that they are all about science, which, as everybody knows, is incredibly boring.”
— Opening line, setting the tone for the protagonist's view of science.
Archivist's Choice
Science Fair
Dave Barry (2008)
Genre
Children's / Mystery / Science Fiction / Young Adult
Reading Time
240 min
Key Themes
See below
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When a middle school science fair becomes the battleground for a cash-strapped kid with Discount Warehouse shoes and his friends against an international dictator's plot to infiltrate the U.S. government with corrupting software, a laser-eyed owl, and disgruntled eBay buyers, levitating frogs are the least of their worries.
Synopsis
Grdankl the Strong, president of the fictional nation of Kprshtskan, plans to infiltrate and take over the American government. His strategy targets the annual science fair at Hubble Middle School in a Maryland suburb of Washington D.C. Knowing that the affluent students at Hubble often buy their projects, Grdankl's operatives plan to sell them government-corrupting software, gaining a foothold in the U.S. infrastructure. However, Toby Harbinger, an ordinary middle schooler with an ambition to win the $5,000 science fair prize honestly, challenges their scheme. Toby, along with his friends Tamara and Micah, gets involved in a funny and dangerous adventure. They deal with Assistant Principal Paul Parmit, known as "The Armpit," a mysterious laser-eyed stuffed owl, and two eccentric eBay buyers named Darth and the Wookiee, who believe the Harrison-Ford-signed BlasTech DL-44 blaster Toby sold them is fake. As Toby and his friends uncover the Kprshtskanian conspiracy, they face the operatives and confront the mastermind, unmasking Dr. Igor and stopping the takeover. The story ends with the conspiracy's resolution and new beginnings for Toby and his friends, leaving behind levitating frogs and comedic chaos.
Reading time
240 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Fast
Mood
Humorous, Adventurous, Witty, Suspenseful, Lighthearted
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy fast-paced, humorous adventure stories with a blend of mystery, science fiction, and middle school antics.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer serious, realistic narratives or dislike absurd humor and improbable plots.
Plot Summary
The Humble Beginnings of a Grand Plan
Toby Harbinger, a socially awkward middle schooler, wants to win the Hubble Middle School science fair's $5,000 prize. He wants to escape the shadow of his academically brilliant older brother, Jake, and buy better shoes than his Discount Warehouse specials. Meanwhile, in the fictional country of Kprshtskan, its president, Grdankl the Strong, plans to infiltrate the American government. His scheme involves selling corrupted software disguised as science fair projects to the affluent, cheating students of Hubble Middle School. Grdankl believes this will let him control American infrastructure. Toby, unaware of this global conspiracy, begins brainstorming project ideas with his friends, Tamara and Micah, setting the stage for an unexpected clash between a determined kid and international espionage.
The Arrival of the Kprshtskanian Operatives
Grdankl's operatives, led by Dr. Igor, arrive in the Maryland suburbs, posing as vendors offering high-tech, pre-made science fair projects. They target wealthy, unmotivated students at Hubble Middle School, who annually buy their projects for high grades. These 'projects' are malware designed to corrupt American government systems once installed. Assistant Principal Paul Parmit, known as 'The Armpit' for his strictness, unknowingly plays a part in their plan, as he oversees the science fair. Toby, Tamara, and Micah notice the professional 'science fair consultants,' sensing something is wrong with the sudden availability of such elaborate projects.
Toby's Project and the Laser-Eyed Owl
Toby, with Tamara and Micah's help, decides on a project involving levitating frogs using electromagnets. This proves harder than expected. He spends hours in his garage, experimenting and often failing, while his friends support him. At the same time, a stuffed owl with glowing laser eyes appears in different places around Hubble Middle School. This owl, later revealed as a surveillance device for Dr. Igor, worries students and faculty, including Assistant Principal Parmit, who first thinks it's a prank. Toby and his friends become suspicious of the owl's movements, sensing its link to the new, high-tech science fair projects.
The Blaster Incident and eBay Buyers
In a separate plot, Toby sells what he thinks is a prop BlasTech DL-44 blaster, signed by Harrison Ford, on eBay. The buyers, 'Darth' and 'The Wookiee,' are Star Wars collectors. They believe the blaster is fake and demand a refund, sending Toby escalating messages. This subplot connects to the main story when Darth and The Wookiee, looking for Toby, accidentally find the Kprshtskanian operatives. Their clumsy attempts to get their money back add comedy and complicate the villains' plans, providing a distraction and an unforeseen challenge for Toby.
Uncovering the Conspiracy
As the science fair nears, Toby, Tamara, and Micah notice more suspicious activities around the 'pre-made' projects. They see the Kprshtskanian vendors speaking a strange language and using unusual security. Micah, with his tech skills, hacks into one of the project's devices and finds malicious code. They realize these are not just cheating projects; they are tools for a larger, sinister plot. Their investigations link the laser-eyed owl to the Kprshtskanians, confirming it's a spy device. The friends now understand the danger they are in.
The Confrontation with Assistant Principal Parmit
With their new knowledge, Toby, Tamara, and Micah try to warn Assistant Principal Paul Parmit about the Kprshtskanian plot. They explain the malicious software and the true purpose of the 'science fair projects.' However, Parmit, a stickler for rules, dismisses their claims as exaggerations and an attempt to discredit the competition. He sees them as mischievous kids trying to disrupt the fair, reinforcing his reputation as 'The Armpit.' His disbelief forces the trio to act on their own, increasing the urgency of their mission.
The Science Fair Showdown
The Hubble Middle School science fair arrives, changing from a routine event into a tense showdown. The Kprshtskanian operatives are there, making sure their corrupted projects are displayed. Toby, Tamara, and Micah, along with the unexpected interference of Darth and The Wookiee (still after Toby for the blaster), plan to expose the plot. The laser-eyed owl, controlled by Dr. Igor, adds to the surveillance and tension. Toby's levitating frog project, while working, becomes less important as the friends focus on sabotaging the Kprshtskanian projects and alerting authorities. The fair becomes a comedic but high-stakes battle of wits and technical sabotage.
The Unmasking of Dr. Igor
During the science fair chaos, Toby and his friends expose the malicious code in the Kprshtskanian projects, causing displays to malfunction. Dr. Igor, trying to maintain control and retrieve his devices, reveals his identity and mission in frustration. Assistant Principal Parmit, finally seeing the evidence, acknowledges the children's warnings. The unexpected appearance of Darth and The Wookiee, who cause more disruption, adds to the pandemonium, helping the Kprshtskanian operation unravel. The laser-eyed owl, now evidence, is also incapacitated.
The Intervention and Resolution
As the Kprshtskanian plot unravels, local authorities, alerted by Toby, Tamara, Micah, and a now-convinced Assistant Principal Parmit, arrive at Hubble Middle School. Dr. Igor and his operatives are arrested, their plans to corrupt American government systems stopped. Darth and The Wookiee, first detained, are released after explaining their convoluted pursuit of Toby. The science fair ends chaotically. Toby's levitating frog project, despite the chaos, gets recognition, though the prize money matters less than stopping a national security threat. The school and community begin to process the events.
Aftermath and New Beginnings
Afterward, Toby, Tamara, and Micah are seen as heroes, though the full extent of their role in stopping international espionage remains mostly private. Assistant Principal Parmit, humbled, gains new respect for the students he once dismissed. Toby, having saved the country, finds new confidence that goes beyond needing science fair prizes or expensive shoes. His friendship with Tamara and Micah strengthens, and their adventure leaves them with unforgettable memories. The incident becomes a legend in the halls of Hubble, showing the capabilities of ordinary middle schoolers when faced with extraordinary circumstances. Even Darth and The Wookiee, having gotten their money back for the 'counterfeit' blaster, appreciate life's unexpected turns.
Principal Figures
Toby Harbinger
The Protagonist
Toby transforms from an insecure kid seeking external validation to a confident individual who understands his own worth and capacity for heroism.
Tamara
The Supporting
Tamara's belief in herself and her friends strengthens as she helps unravel the conspiracy, proving her capabilities extend beyond academics.
Micah
The Supporting
Micah discovers the practical and impactful applications of his technical skills beyond mere hobbies, using them for a greater good.
Grdankl the Strong
The Antagonist
Grdankl's overconfidence leads to the downfall of his meticulously planned, yet ultimately flawed, scheme.
Dr. Igor
The Antagonist
Dr. Igor's calculated plan unravels due to unforeseen resistance from a group of children, leading to his capture.
Assistant Principal Paul Parmit
The Supporting
Parmit transitions from a skeptical, dismissive authority figure to one who respects and trusts the intuition of his students.
Darth
The Supporting
Darth's single-minded pursuit of a refund leads him into an unexpected adventure, broadening his perspective beyond just collectibles.
The Wookiee
The Supporting
The Wookiee's journey alongside Darth inadvertently makes him a part of a much larger, more thrilling adventure than just collecting.
Themes & Insights
The Power of Underestimated Youth
The novel shows how adults, especially authority figures like Assistant Principal Parmit, underestimate children's intelligence, resourcefulness, and intuition. Toby, Tamara, and Micah are the only ones who understand the Kprshtskanian plot's seriousness, yet their warnings are initially ignored. Their success in stopping the conspiracy shows that age does not define capability, and insight can come from unexpected sources. This theme is central to the climax, where the children's actions lead to the villains' downfall, demonstrating their underestimated power.
“"He's just a kid, Mr. Parmit. What could he possibly know about international espionage?" ”
Integrity vs. Cheating
The science fair itself is a small example of this theme. Wealthy students at Hubble Middle School often cheat by buying projects, creating an environment for Grdankl's scheme. Toby, in contrast, tries to create his own project, even if it's hard. This contrast highlights the value of hard work, honesty, and genuine effort over shortcuts and deception. The Kprshtskanian plot, built on exploiting this cheating culture, fails because of the integrity and determination of Toby and his friends, who do not take the easy way out.
“"Winning honestly, even if it's just a levitating frog, means more than a bought-and-paid-for volcano."”
Friendship and Loyalty
The bond between Toby, Tamara, and Micah is the emotional center of the novel. Their loyalty and support for each other are key to their success. Tamara's sharp mind and Micah's technical skills complement Toby's determination, forming an effective team. They face danger together, trust each other, and uplift one another. This theme emphasizes that true strength often comes from collaboration and the connections we make with others, especially when facing overwhelming odds. Their friendship empowers them to take on an international threat.
“"We're in this together, Toby. Always."”
The Absurdity of Bureaucracy and Adult Disbelief
Assistant Principal Parmit represents the bureaucratic mindset and the adult tendency to dismiss children's concerns. His strict adherence to rules and inability to see past the surface creates a comedic yet frustrating obstacle for the protagonists. The novel satirizes how institutional thinking can blind individuals to obvious truths, especially when those truths come from unconventional sources. Parmit's initial disbelief, despite growing evidence, highlights the gap between the adult world and the reality children often perceive, adding humor and tension to the plot.
“"Children, there is no international espionage at Hubble Middle School. Just a poorly organized science fair and a few overactive imaginations."”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Laser-Eyed Stuffed Owl
A seemingly innocuous object serving as a high-tech surveillance device.
The laser-eyed stuffed owl functions as a tangible representation of the Kprshtskanian surveillance. Initially appearing as a quirky, unsettling detail, it quickly becomes a symbol of the pervasive and hidden danger. Its glowing eyes and mysterious movements create an atmosphere of unease and suspicion among the students, serving as an early clue to the presence of foreign operatives. For the reader, it's a visual cue that something sinister is afoot, and its eventual identification as a spy device by Micah solidifies the children's understanding of the threat, propelling the plot forward.
The 'Counterfeit' BlasTech DL-44 Blaster
A seemingly unrelated subplot that provides comedic relief and unexpected assistance.
The prop blaster sold by Toby on eBay serves as a classic red herring and a source of comedic relief. While initially a separate narrative thread, the relentless pursuit of Toby by Darth and The Wookiee over its authenticity eventually leads them to inadvertently disrupt the Kprshtskanian operation. This subplot injects absurdity and chaos into the main narrative, demonstrating how seemingly insignificant events can have unforeseen consequences. It provides opportunities for slapstick and lightens the tone of the more serious espionage plot, ultimately contributing to the villains' downfall through sheer accidental interference.
The Science Fair as a Trojan Horse
The central event of the story used by antagonists to conceal their true intentions.
The Hubble Middle School science fair is not just a setting; it's a critical plot device. Grdankl uses the existing culture of cheating and the perceived innocence of a school event as a 'Trojan Horse' to smuggle his malicious software into the American system. The science fair provides a plausible cover for the Kprshtskanian operatives and their 'projects,' making their infiltration seem ordinary. This device cleverly contrasts the mundane with the malevolent, highlighting the villains' cunning in exploiting a seemingly harmless event for their nefarious purposes. It also provides a structured timeline and a natural gathering point for all characters and conflicts.
Micah's Hacking Skills
A character's specific ability that serves as the key to uncovering the conspiracy.
Micah's innate talent for hacking and understanding technology is a crucial plot device. Without his ability to delve into the code of the Kprshtskanian projects, Toby and Tamara would likely have remained in the dark about the true nature of the threat. His technical expertise provides the concrete evidence needed to move the plot from suspicion to certainty. This device highlights the importance of specialized skills and demonstrates how modern threats often require modern solutions, positioning Micah as the indispensable 'tech guy' of the heroic trio.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Barry, you're a genius! A twisted, evil, probably doomed genius!”
— Said by Maya after Barry's 'invention' causes a minor disaster.
“It was one of those moments when you realize that grown-ups, for all their supposed wisdom, are often just as clueless as kids.”
— Barry's reflection on an adult's reaction to a strange event.
“The universe is full of mysteries, and most of them involve some kind of goo.”
— A casual observation by Barry during a particularly messy experiment.
“Sometimes you have to break a few rules to discover something truly amazing.”
— Barry justifying their unconventional methods to his friends.
“The key to good science is not knowing all the answers, but asking the right questions, especially when those questions involve whether something is going to explode.”
— Barry's humorous take on scientific inquiry.
“When you're dealing with advanced technology, it's always a good idea to have a backup plan, preferably one that doesn't involve spontaneously combusting.”
— Barry's internal monologue during a tense moment with a device.
“Fear is a powerful motivator, especially when it's the fear of being grounded for the rest of your natural life.”
— Barry explaining his sudden burst of bravery.
“The best kind of adventure is one you didn't even know you were looking for.”
— Reflecting on the unexpected turn of events.
“It's amazing how much trouble three middle-schoolers can get into when they're armed with a little bit of science and a lot of bad ideas.”
— A summary of the main characters' predicament.
“Even the most ordinary objects can become extraordinary when you look at them through the lens of pure, unadulterated chaos.”
— Barry observing the aftermath of one of their experiments.
“Sometimes, the only way to figure out what's going on is to make things even worse first.”
— Barry's questionable problem-solving philosophy.
“You can learn a lot from your mistakes, mostly how to make bigger, more spectacular mistakes.”
— A humorous take on the learning process.
“The universe doesn't always make sense, and sometimes, that's exactly what makes it so much fun.”
— A final thought on the strange events they experienced.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
The central conflict revolves around Toby Harbinger's quest to win the Hubble Middle School science fair's $5,000 prize, which inadvertently pits him against Grdankl the Strong, the president of Kprshtskan, who plans to use the fair to infiltrate the American government with corrupting software.
About the author
Dave Barry is a Pulitzer Prize-winning humorist known for his satirical observations on everyday life. His notable works include the "Peter Pan" prequel series, co-authored with Ridley Pearson, and his standalone novels like "Science Fair." Barry's writing is characterized by its witty, often absurd, and relatable take on modern society.
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