The Next Great Paulie Fink (Hardcover)

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.

Ali Benjamin is a New York Times bestselling author and National Book Award Finalist for The Thing About Jellyfish, and the co-writer for HIV-positive teen Paige Rawl's coming-of-age memoir Positive as well as Tim Howard's national bestseller The Keeper. She lives near Williamstown, Massachusetts.

A LAPL Best Books of 2019

A NYPL Best Books of 2019

A KirkusReviews Best Children's Books of 2019
A PublishersWeekly Best Books of 2019

* "A witty, tender, and utterly engaging modern school story that draws on the wisdom of the ages."

* "A beautiful, powerful novel about embracing one's own great self, even--or especially--in middle school."

"Takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery."

"Wise and funny."

"An inspirational story about finding your place in an unfamiliar community and learning that normal is not always better."

"Laugh-out-loud funny."

"You'll love this new favorite about being the new kid at school, and dealing with bullies, and becoming something different."

*"Reminiscent of works by Jennifer L. Holm and Sharon Creech...a shining example of the highs and lows of early adolescence."

*"Authentic and poignant...[a] superbly written, heartfelt novel."

*"Clean, fluid writing that is highly accessible, yet rich with possibilities for discussion.... An uncommonly fine first novel."

*"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."

"There are...a lot of children who might not only benefit from this book but also find themselves deeply moved by it."