Bubble Sheet Blues

"It's going to be a good year for readers if William Durbin's funny and timely new novel is an example of what's to come."  Book Editor St. Paul Pioneer Press

Luke Collins didn't set out to expose the biggest scam in Florida public education history. He was just being his usual lazy self and trying to find a topic for his 8th grade English I-Search paper that wouldn't require much work. But once Luke starts researching Florida's high-stakes test, the FCAT, a.k.a. Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, he becomes engaged in school for the first time in his life. He soon discovers injustice, financial benefits for testing companies, and collusion with lawmakers. And he becomes outraged when he learns how the test punishes immigrants, burdens teachers with busy work, and distracts students from critical, thoughtful learning. This inspires Luke, with the help of his friends Gabe and Claire, to start an outright revolution in his school. What happens next makes for an ending that surprises everyone.  

Although Bubble Sheet Blues is being marketed for young readers, every adult with an interest in education should read it, too.