Same STEM fun with a new cover! CONTROL FREAKS in paperback is out today!

Benjamin Banneker College Prep is a middle school full of STEAM kids. According to seventh-grader Doug Zezzmer, there are the science heads, technovengers, enginerds, arts peeps, mathatrons, and even sportsters. Doug likes to think of himself as a visionary inventor with the goal of impressing the principal, Mr. Lee. But his dad has other visions. He wants Doug to be a sportster like him and his step-brother, T.W.. When the school principal introduces an epic, school-wide competition, Doug thinks this is his chance to impress everyone and make his mark as an inventor. However, it’s a team competition and the groups are assigned (and cleverly designed) to integrate all the STEAM kids from different grades and with various talents.

Author, J.E. Thomas clearly understands the complaints and struggles of middle schoolers working in groups from her time as a school administrator. The novel shifts perspectives, giving readers alternate views of the characters and what it means for them to win the competition. The chapters also detail each character’s insecurities and their complicated home lives. Humor and awkward moments keep the reader engaged and cheering for their favorite characters.

This book tackles the theme of expectations that children struggle with—the expectations of peers and parents along with those that they have for themselves. It’s fun and engaging. Congrats to J.E. Thomas!

For more information about the author, visit www.jethomasauthor.com.

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