Mercy on These Teenage Chimps

On his thirteenth birthday, Ronnie woke up feeling like a chimp—all long armed, big eared, and gangly. He’s been muddling through each gawky day since. Now his best friend, Joey, has turned thirteen, too—and after Joey humiliates himself in front of a cute girl, he climbs a tree and refuses to come down. So Ronnie sets out to woo the girl on Joey’s behalf. After all, teenage chimps have to stick together.

Acclaimed author Gary Soto tells a fun and touching coming of age story about friendship, understanding, and the painful insecurities of being thirteen.

What happens when your best friend won’t come down from a tree—and it’s all up to you to save him?

• Best Friends Stick Together: Ronnie is on a mission to help his friend Joey, who has taken up residence in the neighborhood tree after a disastrous encounter with a cute girl.
• Middle School Humor: A hilarious and heartfelt look at the awkwardness of being thirteen, from feeling like a gangly chimp with long arms and big ears to navigating social disasters.
• An Awkward First Crush: When Joey is humiliated, Ronnie has to play Cupid and win over the girl on his best friend’s behalf—a truly cringeworthy mission.
• A Heartwarming Read: Perfect for kids and tweens, this funny story celebrates the kind of friendship that gets you through the most embarrassing moments of growing up.

"[A] lighthearted, off-beat slice of life . . . Breezy and entertaining."--Kirkus Reviews