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Field Guide to the North American Teenager

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

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Ben Philippe

Field Guide to the North American Teenager

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Austin, Texas • 2010s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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Super Short Summary

Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe centers on Black Haitian Canadian teen Norris Kaplan as he adapts to life in Austin, Texas, confronting stereotypes and making new connections. Norris gains a reputation as the "rude Canadian," forms a crush on Aarti, befriends loner Liam, and navigates complex relationships with cheerleader Madison while growing and learning from his experiences. Depicts racism, bigoted language, and descriptions of suicide.

Humorous

Emotional

Contemplative

Romantic

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.1

8,545 ratings

67%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe captures the challenges of teenage life with wit and realism. Readers generally praise the protagonist's sharp humor and relatable experiences, though some feel the initial cynicism could be off-putting. The novel adeptly explores themes of identity and belonging, resonating well with both teens and adults.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Field Guide to the North American Teenager?

Readers who enjoy witty, humorous, and honest depictions of teenage life and identity struggles, similar to The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han, will likely appreciate Ben Philippe's Field Guide to the North American Teenager.

4.1

8,545 ratings

67%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Norris Kaplan

A Black French-Canadian teen who moves from Montreal to Austin, Texas, bringing with him a sharply critical attitude that often leads to conflict as he navigates his new high school environment.

Known as Maddie, she is a cheerleader known for her selfless nature and plays a crucial role in Norris’s adjustment to life in Austin by helping him secure a job and offering assistance in his social pursuits.

An artistic teen girl at Anderson High, whose shared background as a child of immigrants and independent outlook draw Norris’s attention and lead to significant personal growth for both characters.

Norris’s first friend in Austin, characterized by his tall stature and thoughtful demeanor, who provides insight and support to Norris while facing his challenges with mental health and social perception.

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Austin, Texas • 2010s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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