Booked

Nick is the protagonist of Booked. A 13-year-old with a love of soccer and reluctant talent for using big words, he comes of age as an adolescent throughout the story. He is competitive, active, funny, imaginative, and, as a psychologist says, “exceptionally articulate” (272). Nick begins the book dreaming about soccer in English class and joking his way through school, while his father pressures him to develop his mind and prepare for college. Nick finds comfort in his playful, affectionate relationship with his mom, but his situation changes considerably once she moves away.

Living in the house alone with his demanding dad irritates Nick, who misses his mom terribly. He also struggles with bullies at school and feels ashamed about not fighting back, whereas his best friend Coby is more aggressive. Throughout this stressful period, Nick’s passion for soccer remains and helps him forget his troubles. Nick’s confidence falters as he attempts to read signals from his crush April. However, equipped with Weird and Wonderful Words from his dad’s dictionary, Nick impresses April with his vocabulary and goes on to develop a passion for reading with her help. 

Nick learns to embrace everything that makes him special—not just his soccer skills, but also his humor and intelligence.