The Next Great Paulie Fink
In this acclaimed novel by the author of the award-winning, bestselling The Thing About Jellyfish, being the new kid at school isn’t easy, especially when you have to follow in the footsteps of a legendary classroom prankster.
When Caitlyn Breen begins her disorienting new life at Mitchell School–where the students take care of real live goats and study long-dead philosophers, and where there are only ten other students in the entire seventh grade–it seems like nobody can stop talking about some kid named Paulie Fink.
Depending on whom you ask, Paulie was either a hilarious class clown, a relentless troublemaker, a hapless klutz, or an evil genius. One thing’s for sure, though: The kid was totally legendary. Now he’s disappeared, and Caitlyn finds herself leading a reality-show-style competition to find the school’s next great Paulie Fink. With each challenge, Caitlyn struggles to understand a person she never met…but it’s what she discovers about herself that most surprises her.
Told in multiple voices, interviews, and documents,this funny, thought-provoking novel from the bestselling author of The Thing About Jellyfish is a memorable exploration of what makes a hero–and if anyone, or anything, is truly what it seems.
When Caitlyn Breen begins her disorienting new life at Mitchell School–where the students take care of real live goats and study long-dead philosophers, and where there are only ten other students in the entire seventh grade–it seems like nobody can stop talking about some kid named Paulie Fink.
Depending on whom you ask, Paulie was either a hilarious class clown, a relentless troublemaker, a hapless klutz, or an evil genius. One thing’s for sure, though: The kid was totally legendary. Now he’s disappeared, and Caitlyn finds herself leading a reality-show-style competition to find the school’s next great Paulie Fink. With each challenge, Caitlyn struggles to understand a person she never met…but it’s what she discovers about herself that most surprises her.
Told in multiple voices, interviews, and documents,this funny, thought-provoking novel from the bestselling author of The Thing About Jellyfish is a memorable exploration of what makes a hero–and if anyone, or anything, is truly what it seems.
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Praise
Praise for The Next Great Paulie Fink:
A ParentsMagazine 30 Best Kids' Books of 2019A LAPL Best Books of 2019A NYPL Best Books of 2019A KirkusReviews Best Children's Books of 2019
A PublishersWeekly Best Books of 2019
A PublishersWeekly Most Anticipated Children's Book of Spring 2019
An Amazon Best Book of the Month for April 2019
A ParentsMagazine 30 Best Kids' Books of 2019A LAPL Best Books of 2019A NYPL Best Books of 2019A KirkusReviews Best Children's Books of 2019
A PublishersWeekly Best Books of 2019
A PublishersWeekly Most Anticipated Children's Book of Spring 2019
An Amazon Best Book of the Month for April 2019
"A funny and fast-paced romp."
—The New York Times
—The New York Times
* "A story with massive heart... A book to make readers think, question, reach, laugh, and strive harder."
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* "A witty, tender, and utterly engaging modern school story that draws on the wisdom of the ages."
—School Library Journal, starred review
* "Genuinely original, the novel offers thoughtful perspectives on friendship, accepting change, and the many rewarding guises of storytelling, as well as a fully gratifying ending that the characters don't see coming."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
* "A beautiful, powerful novel about embracing one's own great self, even--or especially--in middle school."
—Shelf Awareness, starred review
"Benjamin strikes a nice balance of goofy, often physical comedy...with introspection...for a look at shifting middle-school identities and the strange chaos they bring."
—BCCB
—BCCB
"Takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery."
—School Library Connection
"Sympathetic."
—Booklist
—Booklist
"Wise and funny."
—The Wall Street Journal
"A middle school story to top all middle school stories."
—The Buffalo News
—The Buffalo News
"An inspirational story about finding your place in an unfamiliar community and learning that normal is not always better."
—The Denver Post
"Laugh-out-loud funny."
—Horn Book
"You'll love this new favorite about being the new kid at school, and dealing with bullies, and becoming something different."
—Romper
Praise for The Thing About Jellyfish:A 2015 National Book Award Finalist
A New York Times BestsellerAn Indiebound BestsellerAn E.B. White Read-aloud Book Award FinalistAn Amazon Editor's Best Book of the 2015A 2015 GoodReads Choice Award FinalistAn Amazon Editors' Fall Favorite Children's BookA Booklist Top Ten First Novel of 2015A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2015
A New York Times BestsellerAn Indiebound BestsellerAn E.B. White Read-aloud Book Award FinalistAn Amazon Editor's Best Book of the 2015A 2015 GoodReads Choice Award FinalistAn Amazon Editors' Fall Favorite Children's BookA Booklist Top Ten First Novel of 2015A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2015
*"A painful story smartly told, Benjamin's first solo novel has appeal well beyond a middle school audience."
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
*"Reminiscent of works by Jennifer L. Holm and Sharon Creech...a shining example of the highs and lows of early adolescence."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
*"Authentic and poignant...[a] superbly written, heartfelt novel."
—School Library Journal, starred review
*"Clean, fluid writing that is highly accessible, yet rich with possibilities for discussion.... An uncommonly fine first novel."
—Booklist, starred review
*"Just-right pacing, authentic voices and characters, beautifully crafted plot, and superb writing. Readers will find that this story lingers with them after the book is closed."
—VOYA, starred review
"There are...a lot of children who might not only benefit from this book but also find themselves deeply moved by it."
—New York Times Book Review