About This Book
Reach for this book when your high-achieving teen faces their first significant academic setback or is struggling with the pressure of being the smartest person in the room. This story follows Denzel, a charismatic valedictorian who finds himself overwhelmed during a summer program at Princeton. Paralyzed by the fear of failing his family's high expectations, he spends his summer selling candy door-to-door in New York City instead of preparing for the Ivy League. This is a grounded, realistic look at the difference between being a fast talker and having true grit. It explores themes of identity, class, and the shame associated with falling short of a perfect image. It is ideal for older middle schoolers and high schoolers navigating the transition to higher stakes environments.
