Description
Product Description
They each have 33% chance with her, but she's 0% interested.
Meet Sam, the comedian; Duke, the intellectual; and Chollie, the athlete. Their fates converge at Penn Valley Middle as each falls desperately for the enigmatic Miranda Mullaly—the girl who smiles like she means it, the girl who makes Christmas truly magic when she sings, the girl who…barely realizes her admirers exist!
Small misunderstandings lead to big laughs, and alternating perspectives fuel this exciting, swiftly-paced story. And beneath the humor, every attempt to win Miranda's favor becomes a compelling look at the larger world of each guy's life.
Me and Miranda Mullaly is perfect for fans of
Flipped and
The Swap.
Want more Sam, Duke, and Chollie? Check out
My Future Ex-Girlfriend by Jake Gerhardt.
From School Library Journal
Gr 6–8—Miranda stops Sam from putting a tack on Duke's chair in biology class to avoid an annoying ruckus, but this incident makes Miranda seem instantly attractive to the two boys, as well as classmate Chollie. Hoping to gain her attention, the three join student council, the school musical, and various groups in which Miranda participates. This often ends in a spectacularly humorous fashion, such as when all three decide to win her favor by shoveling her family's driveway. The boys' obsession culminates at the school dance, where, of course, only one of them can end up with her. Told from multiple perspectives but in a straight-forward, easy-to-follow way, this novel highlights the various personalities of the boys and fills a need for humorous books about romance in middle school. The cover is brilliant, as both basketball and mischievous uses of toilet paper play a role in the story. Like Alexander Vance's The Heartbreak Messenger (Feiwel & Friends, 2013) and Tommy Greenwald's "Charlie Joe Jackson" series (Roaring Brook), this is a lively tale of misunderstandings and misguided attempts to get the girl. While the characters could have been more likable, they are well drawn and the situations are believable and show an understanding of the inner workings of middle school. VERDICT This is a strong purchase for middle school libraries that will circulate well.—Karen Yingling, Blendon Middle School, Westerville, OH
Review
PRAISE FOR ME AND MIRANDA MULLALY:
“Jake Gerhardt’s debut novel is sweet, knowing, and a
super-fun read. Takes you right back to the awkwardness and earnestness of adolescence, with a lot of cringe and even more laughs.”
—Patton Oswalt,
New York Times bestselling author, comedian, and actor
"Gerhardt’s light narrative touch is
addictive . . . [Readers will] eat up this
satisfying confection where all’s fair in love and war."
—
Booklist
"A
lively tale of misunderstandings and misguided attempts to get the girl. This is an
strong purchase for middle school libraries that will circulate well."
—
School Library Journal
"A
comedy of errors meets coming-of-age story that will resonate with middle-grade readers who are wending their way through the tricky waters of school plays, basketball games, and first loves."
—
Bay State Parent
"As a middle school teacher who has seen many, many students come and go, I could completely see Miranda, Sam, Duke and Chollie!
I've had students with all of their traits!"
—The O.W.L.
"Full of
humor, sweetness, authenticity,
engaging storytelling, and likable characters . . .
delightful and entertaining."
—Word Spelunking
About the Author
Jake Gerhardt was born and raised in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania. He attended Elkins Park Middle School, where he played football and basketball, ran track, performed in the school musical, and was a member of the student council. He also found time to attend many school dances, in constant pursuit of various Miranda Mullalys. Since graduating from West Chester University, he has worked as a teacher. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his pulchritudinous wife and two amazing daughters. Me and Miranda Mullaly is hi