The Edumacation of Jay Baker (review)

Jay Baker's frustrations are never-ending: he's hopelessly in love with his best friend, Cameo, bullied and harassed by his former best friend, Mike, and anxious about his parents' relationship, which is clearly falling apart. When his mom moves out and he learns that she is having an affair with Cameo's father, things really explode; tensions between Jay and Mike escalate into public displays and outright violence, and he finds himself suspended. A good-hearted, sassy teacher intervenes, suggesting that he give a new girl a romantic chance, forcing him and Mike to talk it out, and insisting on a creative outlet for his aggressions. As Jay narrates the chaos that his life has become, he launches witty pop culture references and riffs at readers with breakneck speed; the wordsmithing alone here will be worth the price of admission for readers who relish snappy comebacks, savvy puns, and subtle single and double entendres. Underneath the glib volleys, however, there are tender moments, as Jay turns to his usually snarly sister for comfort, attempts to understand and protect his vulnerable but misguided mother, and commiserates with his abandoned father. His teacher threatens to steal the show altogether, though, with her quick wit and outspoken wisdom; she's the teacher every kid wants to have, even if her brand of truth-telling would surely get her fired in real life. Readers eager to give both their hearts and their brains an energetic work-out will enjoy this mash-up of rockin' comedy and problem novel.