The Downside of Being Up, by Alan Lawrence Sitomer

Puberty is a confusing, embarrassing and emotional time for both sexes, but there are certain things that pop up for boys that can ruin a perfectly good day. I'm pretty sure Sitomer uses every euphemism known to man, and possibly some new ones, to describe unexpected upward occurrence. However, the realistic and endearing story of Bobby, the protagonist in the this teen tale, is what makes this book a must-read for all boys.

Bobby is average, extremely average, in fact. He has a sister that hates him, his parents don't have a clue about him, his Granddad is a little wacky and he can hardly keep his mind on school, but does his best. This makes a down-there incident in math class, resulting in expulsion, all the more unexpected and hard to deal with. After Bobby's Dad puts his persuasive tactics, that he has been honing in his job, to use, Bobby is allowed to return to school, but only if he agrees to go through counseling. With trepidation, Bobby concedes.

Upon returning to school he is met with all of the snide remarks that would be expected from teen boys in light of such an incident. Bobby's only friend is Alfred Finklestein, a pimply, obnoxious, brace-face boy, doesn't help his current loser status, but Bobby can't shake him no matter how hard he tries. Along with the harassment, Bobby also finds that there is a new girl in school upon his return. Allison instantly takes the place of "dream girl" in Bobby's mind. The cherry on top of this disaster cake is that Allison's Dad is Bobby's math teacher; the one that tried to have him expelled.

When Bobby chances into actually talking with Allison, he can't believe his luck, and with the big dance right around the corner, he can only dream of asking her to go with him. Despite his bad luck thus far and the fact that his Dad even told him to not shoot for such a bright star, Bobby pops the question and, surprisingly, she accepts.

Bobby's only feat to overcome at this point is tickets and after talking with Allison on one of their daily walks home he decides to try and improve his relationship with his sister, Hillery, and help out his friend, Alfred, by buying their tickets as well. The decision is also made to keep this plan completely to himself. When he is only allowed to buy two tickets, Bobby resorts to nabbing two from Allison's Dad, but leaves the money to pay for them. Of course, all goes haywire when Allison is told by her Dad that Bobby simply stole the tickets and the dance plans fall through.

Good old Granddad saves the day when he snags the car to take Bobby to the dance to explain everything to Allison. After everything is made clear the two love birds dance into the night, Granddad is inspired to get back his own wife, and Hillary and Alfred actually hit it off!

While this ending is almost too perfect, the uncertainty, awkwardness and highs and lows of adolescence are portrayed genuinely in a way that will engage teenage boys and maybe even girls. There may have to be some creativity in the manner in which the plot is discussed, but once you have found a way kids are sure to be hooked and will likely pass the word of the book among themselves.