How Lamar's Bad Prank Won a Bubba-sized Trophy

Crystal Allen's debut novel, How Lamar's Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy, is a book in my library that kid after kid kept asking me for and I hadn't said one word about it. I knew there must be something special about it. While the library was closed for testing, I was finally able to get my hands on the one copy we had. I totally get why my middle school students are talking about this entertaining, heart-wrenching, and lesson-teaching book. Lamar, a thirteen-year-old boy who recently lost his mother to cancer, is an amazing bowler. Bowling is the one sport the doctor will allow him to participate in due to his severe asthma. Lamar's history as a jokester has prevented him from landing a girlfriend thus far. Sergio, Lamar's rich best friend, has no problem getting the girls. Lamar is convinced by bad-boy, Billy Jenks, to work as a team swindling other bowlers. Lamar finally has some money in his pocket and a beautiful girl on his arm. Unfortunately, his older, basketball star brother pushes him to the edge and Lamar decides to get revenge. As a result of his actions, he loses his good reputation and the things that matter most. Will Lamar be able to fix the wrongs he has created in his and others' lives? I have ordered multiple copies (it is going on my 8th grade reading list in the fall)...now we don't have to wait for it at my school.