Part of Big Nate Novels, book 8
First published 2016
Nate Wright has fallen hard for Ruby, but his romantic plans take a backseat when his scuffle with Randy Betancourt becomes front page news in the Weekly Bugle. The publicity creates problems that make detention look like a vacation. As P.S. 38's most notorious sixth grader tries to recover from this social disaster, the annual Mud Bowl approaches. Nate must figure out how to bounce back from his embarrassing predicament while navigating middle school drama. Will he manage to salvage his reputation and maybe even impress Ruby? The answer depends on whether he can turn the upcoming Mud Bowl into a triumph or watch it become another catastrophe. This doodling, wisecracking student may not be anyone's idea of the perfect pupil, but he knows how to keep things interesting at his school.
Genres: fiction, contemporary, comedy
Vibes: fast-paced, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: P.S. 38, Weekly Bugle
Period: middle school
224 pages · Hardcover · HarperCollins