About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the acute, often hilarious agony of social anxiety, first crushes, and the fear of parental embarrassment. This sequel follows Ishmael Leseur into Year Ten, where the stakes shift from avoiding the school bully to navigating the high-pressure world of school dances and dating. It is a brilliant resource for normalizing the 'internal monologue of doom' that many teens experience during puberty. The story beautifully balances the awkwardness of growing up with the warmth of family loyalty. While Ishmael is terrified of his father's band making a public comeback, he ultimately learns to reconcile his need for social 'coolness' with his love for his quirky family. It is an ideal pick for building self-confidence and discussing the reality that everyone, even the most confident-looking peers, is likely just as nervous as they are.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
1. DISTRESS: There is a scene involving public humiliation at a school debate/assembly where Ishmael’s nerves cause a physical reaction (vomiting), which may be distressing for readers with high social anxiety. 2. CONVERSATION: Parents may want to discuss 'toxic masculinity' versus 'healthy friendship.' Bill Kingsley is targeted by peers with fatphobic comments and social exclusion; parents can use this to discuss how to stand up against bullying and support friends being marginalized.
Ideal Reader
A 13-year-old who feels like they don't fit the 'jock' stereotype and is currently terrified of making a fool of himself in front of a crush.
Parent Prep
Read the 'phone call' scene (where Ishmael scripts a basic conversation) to understand the level of social anxiety the protagonist feels. It’s a great entry point for empathy. A child expressing that they are 'dying of embarrassment' or refusing to attend a social event due to fear of judgment.
Age Experience
Younger readers (11-12) will find the physical comedy and 'gross-out' moments hilarious. Older readers (14-16) will deeply resonate with the internal cringe and the complexity of maintaining one's identity while wanting to belong.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many YA novels that take teen angst with deadly seriousness, Bauer uses sharp, self-deprecating wit to show that while embarrassment feels fatal, it is a survivable, universal part of the human experience.
Read plot summary
Ishmael Leseur and his band of misfit friends return for Year Ten at St. Daniel's. Having 'neutralized' his bully in the previous book, Ishmael faces new challenges: the Razzman's obsession with girls, his own debilitating nerves when trying to talk to his crush, and his father's reunion with his old band, the Dugongs. The narrative culminates in a school formal where Ishmael must decide between social safety and supporting his friends and family.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Ishmael makes a literal script just to call a girl on the phone. Why do you think he is so afraid of 'winging it'?
2
Ishmael’s dad is passionate about his band, the Dugongs, even though they aren't 'cool.' Do you think it’s better to be cool or to do what you love?
3
The Razzman seems very confident around girls, but is he actually as confident as he looks? How do different characters hide their nerves?
4
How does Ishmael’s relationship with his friends help him face his fears at the school formal?
5
If you had an 'Ishmael Leseur’s Syndrome' (a fear that something will always go wrong), how would you try to beat it?
