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59 pages 1 hour read

Ali Benjamin

The Next Great Paulie Fink

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2019

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Next Great Paulie Fink by Ali Benjamin follows seventh grader Caitlyn Breen, who arrives at the Mitchell School in rural Vermont and encounters a scheme by her quirky classmates, the Originals, to find a replacement for the mysteriously vanished Paulie Fink through a game-show-style competition. As they navigate challenges, they grapple with Paulie’s legendary status and learn about identity, nonconformity, and community.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Next Great Paulie Fink by Ali Benjamin has been praised for its engaging storytelling and relatable characters, with a strong focus on themes of identity and community. However, some readers feel the narrative pace is uneven and certain subplots could be more developed. Overall, it is considered a thought-provoking and heartfelt read suitable for middle-grade audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Next Great Paulie Fink?

A reader who would enjoy The Next Great Paulie Fink by Ali Benjamin is likely a middle-grade student who appreciates humorous yet poignant stories about fitting in and discovering oneself. Fans of Wonder by R.J. Palacio and Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea will find similar themes of friendship, empathy, and personal growth.

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Vermont • Contemporary

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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