Winger

Smith, Andrew. Winger. 2013. 439p. ISBN 1442444924. FIC SMI on the library shelves. This book was been nominated for a Flume Award in 2015.

At fourteen, Ryan Dean West is the youngest junior at Pine Mountain Academy in Oregon, a school for students who are both rich and neglected at home by their self-absorbed parents. Ryan Dean, who goes by the nickname Winger for his position on the rugby team, has been assigned to Opportunity Hall, the worst dorm on campus where students are only a step away from suspension or expulsion. Worse, his roommate is none other than Chas, the meanest and biggest rugby player on the team.

Madly in love with Annie, his best friend and confidante, he has revealed to her many times his attraction, but she’s always blown him off because he’s so young. But this year, Winger plans on becoming a changed man, and that means getting Annie to love him back. Oh, and survive rugby season and Chas’ bullying.

But when Winger begins making out with Megan, Chas’ girlfriend, it could land him in a host of trouble, with Chas, with Annie, his friends, the rugby team and even the whole school. Will Winger step up and win the girl of his heart, or will he think with his, well, you know?

Hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time, Winger is a book you won’t want to put down.

Fans of this book will appreciate another of Andrew Smith’s books, Grasshopper Jungle; Jesse Andrews’ Me, Earl and the Dying Girl; Antony John’s Busted.