Title: Happyface
Author: Stephen Emond
Summary: An illustrated journal about a geeky guy trying to make his way through the world? Sounds familiar, right? Whether or not you are a fan of Greg Heffley, you should get to know Happyface. Starting tenth grade at a different school, he decides to try something new: Instead of being his usual self – quiet, shy and invisible to everyone but bullies, he decides to smile. All the time. Soon he finds himself in the middle of a new group of friends and getting close with an amazingly cool girl.
But when you are hiding behind a mask can you truly be a good friend in return? As Happyface slides through his school year the cracks begin to show: Why did he have to switch schools? Where is his dad? And why isn’t he talking to his former best friend Chloe anymore? Funny, heartbreaking, and triumphant, this isn’t just a book for ‘Wimpy Kids’ grown up, but for the underdog in all of us.
Who will like this book?: Teens who have outgrown the Wimpy Kid books and are looking for something funny but more serious. Girl-crazy guys, and the girls who are “just friends” with them.
If you like this, try this: Carter Finally Gets It by Brent Crawford. Getting the Girl by Susan Juby. For mature teens, Rats Saw God by Rob Thomas.
Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian