First published 2012
Nate Wright sits in another detention, wondering how Gina always manages to outshine him academically. He considers himself a comic genius, but his teachers seem more focused on his mischief than his talent. His friends know him for his detention record and his ability to get into trouble, but Nate wants something more. He sets his sights on beating the class brainiac Gina at her own game. Getting better grades proves harder than expected when you're constantly finding new ways to annoy your already long-suffering teachers. Nate navigates the daily chaos of middle school, where every class period brings fresh opportunities for both disaster and triumph. His quest to improve his academic standing becomes a battle between his natural inclination toward trouble and his genuine desire to prove himself. The story captures the universal struggle of wanting to succeed while staying true to who you are.
Genres: fiction, contemporary, comedy, academic
Vibes: emotional, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
224 pages · Paperback · Andrews McMeel Publishing