Lubar, David. Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie

Kliatt, July, 2005 by Paula Rohrlick

LUBAR, David. Sleeping freshmen never lie. Penguin, Dutton. 256p. c2005. 0-525-47311-4. $15.99. J*

Just as Scott is starting high school, he finds out his mother is pregnant. Determined that his little brother-to-be should benefit from his hard-won knowledge, Scott relates his experiences though his freshman year and writes down lists of survival tips for the baby: e.g., "Try to avoid the bus, even if it means catching a ride from a stranger with a chain saw." In pursuit of a beautiful girl, Scott joins all kinds of activities, only to find that she has dropped out of one after another and he's now committed himself to them. Most work out well, however; for instance, he ends up being a reporter on the school newspaper, and he has fun experimenting with writing sports columns in various styles. He has a great English teacher and somehow manages to survive the year, despite the school bus, cafeteria food, shifting friendships and other hazards, and in the end he makes some unexpected new friends and meets a girl who turns out to be just right for him.

Lubar, author of Dunk, Hidden Talents, and other novels for YAs, has a wonderful sense of humor and Scott's story is both hilarious and touching. A real treat for YAs who, like Scott, love literature and loathe gym; and it holds out hope that high school can not only be endured but enjoyed, if you get involved. Paula Rohrlick, KLIATT

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

*--The asterisk highlights exceptional books.