The boomerang effect is a social psychology concept describing how attempts to persuade others often result in them adopting the opposite stance d Lawrence Barry is about to learn all about it. On the brink of expulsion, he decides to stop smoking weed and imbibing alcohol and start trying to be a better person (mostly to avoid exile at a military academy). This starts with helping out his clueless buddy, Spencer, acclimate to high-school life w to be popular, how to look cool, and most of all, how to "be normal." Unfortunately, the efforts only lead Lawrence to become the prime suspect in the vandalism of the school's homecoming floats. It's up to the two to figure out who is framing him and why. Jack's impeccable comedic timing and ear for dialogue make this an irresistible, absurdist romp with a lovable Ferris Bueller type raconteur at its center. Even so, Jack manages to explore serious topics like drug abuse, sex, racism, sexism, and ableism through an honest and multidimensional lens that teen readers will appreciate.

As punishment for disrupting a school assembly, junior Lawrence must mentor a nerdy freshman. When someone in the school mascot costume starts vandalizing property, a suspected Lawrence relies on his new misfit friend to help him clear his name. Funny and likable, Lawrences stoner persona conceals hidden depths and insecurities due to distant parents, past bullies, and uncertainty about his place in the world.

Gr 9 Up-After getting stoned and causing a ruckus at a school assembly, Lawrence Barry avoids expulsion by cutting a deal with his guidance counselor to mentor Spencer, a Norwegian freshman transfer student. Up to this point, Lawrence's life's aim had been "to sit around [with his friends], smoke pot, and play video games." Now he has to focus, change his habits, and become "a man with a purpose." That's easier said than done, especially when the whole school thinks he's out to sabotage homecoming and his on-again, off-again ex wants to take him to the dance in a dog collar. This laugh-out-loud YA debut offers a profound meditation on the narrow definitions of "normal," how "to stand out and simultaneously blend in," and how growing up means valuing difference and looking at the world with more self-aware eyes. Some of the funniest scenes include a battle for the ages between vampires and LARPers (live action role-players). VERDICT Highly recommended for YA readers looking for a novel with large doses of humor and a narrative rooted in personal growth and self-awareness. Ted McCoy, Leeds Elementary and Ryan Road Elementary, MA

High school junior Lawrence Barry can take a sheet of paper and transform it into an original piece of origami art. Designing these creations is his passion. It is also decidedly uncool in the eyes of his disconnected parents and the popular teens. So, in his freshman year, Lawrence put his origami away and fell in with the stoner crowd. Now his drug-inspired pranks have led him to the brink of expulsion. In a last-ditch effort to reform, he joins the Buddy Club to mentor freshman Norwegian exchange student Spencer, the epitome of a socially awkward nerd. Lawrence does his best to teach Spencer how to be cool. When acts of vandalism occur and Lawrence is suspected, it is Spencer who helps clear his name.Lawrence is not a self-reflective kind of guy. In fact, he is often kind of clueless. This makes for an action-packed and often hilarious first-person narrative as Lawrence finds himself, almost against his will, going cold-turkey sober and creating bonds with Spencer, a male cheerleader, and a plain Jane who turns out to be a hot Renaissance warrior maiden when she is LARPing. Along the way, Lawrence discovers not only who his true friends are but also that being "normal" is highly overrated. The large, diverse cast of supporting characters is wonderfully drawn and adds to the depth and humor of this debut novel. This is a great read that fans of humorous stories, misfits of all stripes, and teenage boys especially will enjoy.Elizabeth Matson.