THE DETENTION CLUB

Being cool in the sixth grade turns out to be an unexpected challenge.

Peter Lee isn’t surprised to be accepted into the academically gifted program. Fifth grade was a breeze, and he and best friend Drew were popular because of their expert collecting skills. Peter’s perfect, older sister Sunny warns him that middle school’s completely different; she couldn’t be more right. On the first day, Peter and Drew learn that no one followed through on their mica-collecting challenge from last year. There’s no recess. Everyone grew. By the end of the day, Peter’s pretty sure they’re losers. How can they regain their popularity? Following Sunny around only proves she’s busy, not popular. Faked pictures from parties “in another town” impress no one. Even a cool escapist act for the talent show only nets them embarrassing nicknames. When Peter ends up in detention, inspiration strikes, though it jeopardizes his friendship with Drew. Yoo’s lovable loser becomes a whole lot less so when he preys on his best friend’s naiveté. His journey from totally self-centered dweeb to team player is littered with wacky speed bumps (mostly of his own unwitting design), and preteens will see themselves and their peers in the halls of Fenwick Middle.