Description

A hilariously subversive YA debut that explores the meaning of friendship and loyalty, and also why you should avoid being trapped in a small space with an angry chicken. Perfect for fans of Andrew Smith’s Winger and Frank Portman’s King Dork.

It all started with a harmless prank. But now high school junior Lawrence Barry is one step away from reform school unless he participates in a mentorship program. His mentee? Spencer Knudsen, a Norwegian exchange student with Spock-like intelligence but the social skills of the periodic table.

Then disaster strikes. Homecoming Week. When someone dressed as the school Viking mascot starts destroying the fairytale-inspired floats, all suspicion falls on Lawrence. Add to the mix a demon Goth girl, a Renaissance LARPing group, an overzealous yearbook editor, and three vindictive chickens, and Lawrence soon realizes that his situation may be a little out of control. But Spencer seems to have some answers. In fact, Spencer may be the one friend Lawrence never knew he needed.


One harmless prank from reform school. One new friend who might be the key to everything—or his ultimate downfall.


  • Witty Narrator: Meet Lawrence Barry—high school junior, master of bad decisions, and the number one suspect in a homecoming sabotage he didn’t commit.
  • An Unlikely Mentorship: To stay out of reform school, Lawrence has to mentor Spencer, a brilliant Norwegian exchange student who might be even more of a disaster than he is.
  • Hilarious High School Hijinks: Navigate a homecoming week packed with fairytale float destruction, a demon Goth girl, a Renaissance LARPing group, and three very, very angry chickens.
  • Subversive Teen Humor: Perfect for readers who like their coming of age stories with a heavy dose of sarcasm, heart, and absurdity.

About the author(s)

Gordon Jack always wanted to be a writer. In third grade, he put that on his “What I Want to Be When I Grow Up” list, just behind astronaut and professional dog walker. While working toward this goal, he had jobs as an advertising copywriter, English teacher, librarian, and semiprofessional dog walker. The Boomerang Effect is his first novel. He lives in San Francisco with his family. Visit him online at www.gordon-jack.com or on Twitter @gordojack.

Reviews

“Lawrence’s back story feels genuine, and readers will feel sympathy for him. His self-conscious humor is funny. The upbeat ending fits well.” - Kirkus Reviews

Jack’s impeccable comedic timing and ear for dialogue make this an irresistible, absurdist romp with a lovable Ferris Bueller–type raconteur. 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. - ALA Booklist

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. Highly recommended. - School Library Journal

“Action-packed and often hilarious. 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.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

More by Gordon Jack

More Satire

More Young Adult Fiction

More Friendship

More Social Themes

More School & Education

More Contemporary

More Romance

More Violence

More New Experience

More Depression

More Pregnancy

More Dating & Sex

More Coming of Age