Deacon Locke Went to Prom

The love life of an awkward teen takes an unforgettable turn after he brings his grandmother to prom in this funny, offbeat, and smile-inducing contemporary romance that is pitch perfect for fans of Jesse Andrews and Robyn Schneider.

Promposals are taking over Deacon Locke’s high school and there is no place left to hide. But even with graduation looming, shy and unusually tall Deacon doesn’t think he can get up the nerve to ask anyone to the dance. Especially given all the theatrics.

It isn’t until Deacon confides in his witty and outgoing best friend Jean that he realizes should could be a great person to take. Only problem is Jean isn’t your typical prom date. She’s older. A lot older. And she’s Deacon’s grandmother.

But when Deacon meets Soraya—a girl unlike any other he’s ever met—he fears he has totally squandered his chances of having a prom he’ll never forget. Deacon couldn’t be more wrong. About everything.

Deacon Locke Went to Prom is award-winning author Brian Katcher’s fifth novel.

• Intergenerational Friendship: To avoid the high-pressure promposal scene, Deacon asks the one person he can always count on: his witty and totally unconventional grandmother, Jean.
• First Love Panic: Just when his plans are set, Deacon meets Soraya. Is it possible to find a real connection when you’re already taking your grandma to the biggest dance of the year?
• Laugh-Out-Loud Humor: Filled with awkward encounters and witty banter, this is a heartwarming comedy about the absurdity of growing up when you’re already six-foot-seven.
• A Story with Heart: Behind the laughs is a touching story about family, friendship, and Deacon’s discovery that the people you love can change in ways you never expected.

Praise for THE IMPROBABLE THEORY OF ANA AND ZAK: “With perfect comic timing and outrageous twists, The Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak will have you cheering for the underdog.” - Robin Constantine, author of THE PROMISE OF AMAZING

“Peppering his novel with references to delight die-hard SF fans and pop-culture aficionados alike, Katcher (Almost Perfect) pens a love letter to fanboys and fangirls everywhere. A delightful romp for anyone still figuring out where they belong.” - Publishers Weekly

“This well-paced novel is an excellent combination of self-discovery and adventure. Give this to fans of Eleanor and Park or Nick and Norah.” - Booklist

“There is something very sweet and nerdy about the entire premise of the story, where the upside-down rules of cosplay and gaming conventions like Washingcon allow the outsiders to be heroes.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

“Fans of Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist will find con-tentment here.” - Kirkus Reviews

“A zany romantic comedy for pop culture geeks and ‘Con’ enthusiasts.” - School Library Journal

“Katcher’s multifaceted novel is about more than a school dance, delving into discrimination, dementia, and the perils of online fame… Deacon’s entertaining commentary keeps the overall tone thoughtful, upbeat and hopeful.” - Publishers Weekly

“Deacon is a likeable narrator, full of self-deprecating humor.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

“An outstanding feel-good story. Brims with humor, heart, and hope.” - Anthony John, author of THOU SHALL NOT ROAD TRIP

“A sweet lesson on staying true to oneself.” - Kirkus Reviews

“A nerd-friendly adventure story with a gooey, sweet romance center.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Deacon Locke Went to Prom had me shimmying with delight. A wonderful and surprisingly poignant story about family, friends, and finding yourself.” - Elizabeth Eulberg, author of BETTER OFF FRIENDS

“Part comedy of errors, part coming of age, this novel is so funny and touching I can’t imagine anyone reading it without a huge smile on their face.” - Bret Hartinger, author of THE GEOGRAPHY CLUB and THREE TRUTHS AND A LIE

“Only a character like Deacon could teach us that grandmothers make the best friends (and prom dates), that stars in the sky shine far brighter than pseudo-celebs, and that the most beautiful dances are the ones we improvise along the way.” - Holly Schindler, author of SPARK