Control Freaks

What if Louis Sachar's Wayside School were a little less wacky – but just as funny – and centered on a young Black boy who IS going to be the great inventor of all time, and set in the top STEM middle school in the country, oh and it was written by someone who worked for years in independent schools, and it also tackles what it's like to live in a blended family and to stand up to a parent who's not being so great and to truly work together with your peers? It might look a little like J.E. Thomas's Control Freaks :) Benjamin Banneker STEM Academy is the top middle school in Denver. Let's just say the kids are . . . competitive. When Principal Yee announces the start of an epic Team Competition for the school, Frederick Douglass Zezzmer knows that trophy's got his name on it. That'll show his sports-obsessed Dad that he's worthy, right? Only problem is, it's a TEAM competition ... and Doug isn't so great working in a team environment (except with his best friend Huey, of course). Control Freaks is a clever send-up of school – and a genuine portrait of a kid and family – that kids across the country will see themselves and find joy and connection in.hild. BEST OF THE BEST, BLACK CAUCUS OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION One week. One prize. Seven really weird challenges. The kids at Benjamin Banneker College Prep are a little... competitive. Okay. They're a LOT competitive. The minute Principal Yee announces an epic competition for the golden B-B trophy, seventh-grader Frederick Douglass Zezzmer knows he has to win. But it won't be easy. The competition doesn't just include science, technology, engineering and math. It also has arts and sports. Not Doug's best subjects. Even worse, it's a TEAM competition. Instead of being in a superstar group, Doug gets paired with four middle school misfits no one else wants. Worst of all, Doug's dad has a horrible backup plan. If Doug doesn't win, he has to forget about becoming The World's Greatest Inventor and spend the summer in sports camp, with his scary stepbrother. With only a week to go, Doug launches a quest to turn his team of outcasts into winners... and maybe even friends. P R A I S E ★'Thomas strews the increasingly suspenseful competition with teachable moments and traces learning curves not only for the students but for teachers and parents, too. Reminiscent of E. L. Konigsburg's The View from Saturday.'—Booklist (starred)'Creative and hilarious...the novel's narration shifts among many perspectives, giving a rich, panoramic view of how stressful yet ultimately rewarding these learning experiences are for the overachievers, the socially awkward, the kids with complicated home lives, and all those who just need to see each other a little differently.'—Kirkus'...Witty competition drama... a telling that prioritizes characters'interiority as well as their impact on each other's lives. While Doug's determined voice is the primary focus, the rotating narratives showcase each of the racially diverse characters'individual stressors, delivering a well-rounded accounting that is better for its multiplicity.'—Publishers Weekly One week. One prize. Seven really weird challenges. The kids at Benjamin Banneker College Prep are a little competitive. Okay. Theyre a LOT competitive. The minute Principal Yee announces an epic competition for the golden B-B trophy, seventh-grader Frederick Douglass Zezzmer knows he has to win. But it wont be easy. The competition doesnt just include science, technology, engineering and math. It also has arts and sports. Not Dougs best subjects. Even worse, its a TEAM competition. Instead of being in a superstar group, Doug gets paired with four middle school misfits no one else wants. Worst of all, Dougs dad has a horrible backup plan. If Doug doesnt win, he has to forget about becoming The Worlds Greatest Inventor and spend the summer in sports camp, with his scary stepbrother. With only a week to go, Doug launches a quest to turn his team of outcasts into winners and maybe even friends. P R A I S E "Thomas strews the increasingly suspenseful competition with teachable moments and traces learning curves not only for the students but for teachers and parents, too. Reminiscent of E. L. Konigsburgs The View from Saturday. " Booklist (starred) "Creative and hilarious...the novels narration shifts among many perspectives, giving a rich, panoramic view of how stressful yet ultimately rewarding these learning experiences are for the overachievers, the socially awkward, the kids with complicated home lives, and all those who just need to see each other a little differently." Kirkus "...Witty competition drama... a telling that prioritizes characters interiority as well as their impact on each others lives. While Dougs determined voice is the primary focus, the rotating narratives showcase each of the racially diverse characters individual stressors, delivering a well-rounded accounting that is better for its multiplicity." Publishers Weekly