Author: Ali Benjamin
Genre: realistic fiction
Similar books: Surviving the Applewhites by Stephanie Tolan
Operation Frog Effect by Sarah Sheerger
Rating:
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| A pleasant read |
Summary (provided by publisher): When Caitlyn Breen begins her disorienting new life at the rural Mitchell School--where the students take care of real live goats and study long-dead philosophers, and where there are only ten other students in the entire seventh grade--it seems like nobody can stop talking about some kid named Paulie Fink.
Depending on whom you ask, Paulie was either a hilarious class clown, a relentless troublemaker, a hapless klutz, or an evil genius. One thing's for sure, though: The kid was totally legendary. Now he's disappeared, and Caitlyn finds herself leading a reality-show-style competition to find the school's next great Paulie Fink. With each challenge, Caitlyn struggles to understand a person she never met...but it's what she discovers about herself that most surprises her.
Told in multiple voices, interviews, and documents, this funny, thought-provoking novel from the bestselling author of The Thing About Jellyfish is a memorable exploration of what makes a hero--and if anyone, or anything, is truly what it seems.
My opinion: Initially, I wasn't a fan of this book. I found Caitlyn frustrating. She constantly judges everyone and everything around her. Admittedly her new school is atypical but she seem determined to be unhappy there, unwilling to try out anything new. The constant negativity is grating. Things start to turn a corner when her classmates call her out on her attitude. And it was around this time that I realized I had become emotionally engaged in the plot. I cared about these characters and their school, their growing understanding of bullying and the difference between a person's true self and their public front. These are largely standard topics for middle grade fiction but are masterfully handled by Benjamin in a story enjoyable to read and re-read.
More information: The Next Great Paulie Fink releases April 16.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
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