The Boomerang Effect

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.

He’s supposed to be the mentor. So why is the weird new kid the only one who can clear his name?

• An Unlikely Friendship: Lawrence is the cynical slacker; Spencer is the brilliant, literal-minded new kid. Together, they might just survive the week… if they don’t get each other expelled first.
• High School Prank Gone Wrong: From a disastrous school assembly to a full-blown mascot mystery, Lawrence’s talent for trouble is on full display.
• Quirky Cast of Characters: Featuring a demon Goth girl, a crew of dedicated LARPers, and three chickens with a serious grudge.
• Hilarious Coming-of-Age: A laugh-out-loud story about figuring out who your real friends are and—more importantly—how to handle an angry chicken in a confined space.

“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)