Zen and the Art of Faking It by Jordan Sonnenblick.

San Lee has moved around a lot in his life, each move he has created a persona to help him blend in and fit in.  But San just can’t do that this time, not with the amazing Woody, a girl who sings Guthrie songs in the cafeteria looking at him.  So San becomes someone who doesn’t fit in, he becomes a Zen master.  Through research, a short introduction in a previous school, and sheer willpower, San fools everyone around him.  But as all things come full circle, especially for a Zen master, you know it can’t be that easy.

Sonnenblick has once again captured the confusing world of a middle schooler.  The broad humor of the book is a joy to read and will have readers laughing out loud.  But it is not simply a humorous book, this book like Sonnenblick’s previous one uses a light touch to examine deeper issues such as lying and identity.  Gracefully achieved, this book works on many levels.  A large part of its success is the character of San who is at the same time both complicated and simple as is his solution to school. 

This charmer of a novel would make a great classroom read, discussion book, or just a wonderful summer novel to enjoy.  Recommended for middle school and late elementary school readers.