The Next Great Paulie Fink

When seventh-grader Caitlyn Breen transfers to the Mitchell School—a tiny, unconventional institution housed in a dilapidated mansion in rural Vermont—she is immediately struck by its peculiarities. The school has only ten other seventh-grade students, all of whom are preoccupied with the absence of their legendary class clown, Paulie Fink, who has mysteriously disappeared. To fill the void left by Paulie, the students decide to hold a reality-show-style competition to find his successor, appointing Caitlyn as the impartial judge. As the competition unfolds, Caitlyn delves into the mythos surrounding Paulie, leading her to unexpected insights about her classmates, the nature of storytelling, and her own identity.

Recommendation: This witty and thought-provoking novel is recommended for readers aged 9–13 who enjoy character-driven stories that blend humor with deeper explorations of identity and belonging. Ali Benjamin crafts a narrative that resonates with middle-grade readers, encouraging them to question perceptions and embrace individuality. The book was recognized as a top children's book of the year by Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, the New York Public Library, and the Los Angeles Public Library. Amazon Teachers Pick.

Ideal for:

• Middle-grade readers interested in contemporary school stories with a humorous twist
• Educators and parents seeking literature that prompts discussions about identity, community, and the impact of storytelling
• Fans of novels that incorporate elements of classic literature and philosophy into modern settings

Similar Reads:

• The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin
• Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
• Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Stylistic Features:

• First-person narrative interspersed with interviews, journal entries, and transcripts, providing multiple perspectives
• Incorporation of references to ancient Greek philosophy and mythology, drawing parallels between classic themes and contemporary middle school life
• Humorous and reflective tone that captures the complexities of adolescence

Content Warnings: The novel addresses themes of bullying and social exclusion, which are handled sensitively but may prompt important discussions among readers.

The Next Great Paulie Fink has been praised for its engaging narrative and exploration of complex themes relevant to middle-grade readers.