Written by Jordan Sonnenblick, this is an extremely funny book about a boy just trying to fit in! I really enjoyed this book from the first few sentences. The main character, San, is such an optimistic character (unrealistically so, but who cares -- it's funny!). San is really poor, has a dad in prison, and is an adopted minority; but realizing he can't change any of that, his main focus is surviving as the new kid at school. |
His dad was a con artist that travelled a lot, so San has been the new kid several times before. Each time, he takes on a new persona, and tries to fake it through the year without being a total loser in the eyes of his classmates. In his Social Studies class, his prior knowledge of Zen Buddhism (from a prior school) makes his classmates think he's a Zen master, and thus his new persona is chosen for him. Unfortunately, this label is the cause of a bit of attention, particularly from a very cute girl. How long can he keep living a lie, and will the girl still like him if she finds out the truth? Is he becoming just like his father (at whom he is very angry)? It doesn't sound like a funny book, but the writer is great at creating an optimistic, quirky character that you want to be successful. The book also deals with the issue of being honest with others -- especially those you love, but with everyone else as well.
A fun book for boys and girls alike! No bad language or drugs/sex, so I would share it with advanced elementary readers, middle schoolers, etc. Enjoy!
A fun book for boys and girls alike! No bad language or drugs/sex, so I would share it with advanced elementary readers, middle schoolers, etc. Enjoy!