About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is feeling the weight of middle school social pressures or needs a healthy outlet for their frustration with authority figures. It is an ideal choice for the student who feels like they can never quite catch a break or for those who find traditional novels intimidating but love to laugh at the absurdity of school life. Through the eyes of Nate Wright, children see their own daily struggles with difficult teachers and annoying peers reflected with high energy and humor. The story centers on Nate, a self-described genius who is actually a magnet for detention. As he navigates a landscape of stern teachers, academic rivals, and a complicated home life with a single dad and a bossy sister, the book explores themes of resilience and the importance of a loyal friend group. It normalizes the feeling of being an underdog while providing a safe space to laugh at the minor catastrophes of growing up. While Nate is rebellious and occasionally disrespectful, the stories offer a perfect springboard for discussing how to handle anger and social friction in a productive way.
