The Improbable Rise of Paco Jones

The diverse, coming of age novel you've been waiting for!



8th grader Paco Jones, a biracial Mexican kid with few friends, is an unlikely hero.

He's recently transferred from his old junior high to a private school, and because he's the poor new kid, he soon finds himself the least popular. It doesn't help that he sports "a big nose, an unflattering birthmark, pigeon-toed feet and hairy arms," all of them fodder for teasing. He's jeered at during lunch, called "Paco Taco", and ridiculed for being different. So what hope is there for him when he falls for Naomi Fox, a gorgeous, popular girl already involved with the most popular guy in school? Through dumb luck and a few clever moves, Paco soon finds himself on center stage amidst a twisted middle school mess.

2017 San Diego Book Award Winner, Best YA fiction



"A fun, amusing tale about the beautiful torment of young hearts and hormones at play."

-Kirkus Reviews



"Quick yet heavy-laden read about race, class, and friendship. Recommended for fans of Rainbow Rowell and Matt de la Peña."

-School Library Journal