Alan Cole Is Not a Coward - Paperback

by Eric Bell (Author)

Perfect for fans of Tim Federle and Gary Schmidt, this is a hilarious and poignant tale about the trials of middle school when you're coming of age--and coming out.

Alan Cole can't stand up to his cruel brother, Nathan. He can't escape the wrath of his demanding father, who thinks he's about as exceptional as a goldfish. And--scariest of all--he can't let the cute boy across the cafeteria know he has a crush on him.

But when Nathan discovers Alan's secret, his older brother announces a high-stakes round of Cole vs. Cole. Each brother must complete seven nearly impossible tasks; whoever finishes the most wins the game. If Alan doesn't want to be outed to all of Evergreen Middle School, he's got to become the most well-known kid in school, get his first kiss, and stand up to Dad. Alan's determined to prove--to Nathan, to the world, to himself--that this goldfish can learn to swim.

May the best Cole win.

• Sibling Rivalry: The "Cole vs. Cole" challenge forces Alan into seven impossible tasks. If he loses, his older brother Nathan will out him to the entire school.
• Unlikely Friendships: To survive the contest, Alan has to rely on new friends Zack and Madison--a loud, enthusiastic goofball and a hyper-intelligent know-it-all.
• Heartfelt Coming Out Story: A touching and funny story about navigating a secret crush on another boy while dealing with family pressure and the fear of being different.
• Laugh-Out-Loud Humor: Perfect for fans of Tim Federle, this story balances serious themes with hilarious middle school moments, quirky characters, and witty dialogue.
• Complex Family Dynamics: Alan must not only face his cruel brother but also find the strength to stand up to a demanding father who sees him as nothing more than a goldfish.