A review by briannethebookworm
The Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe

4.0

Norris’ life takes a turn, for the worst in his opinion, when his mom accepts a job in Austin, Texas, forcing him to uproot his life in Montreal and replant it in unbearable heat. He’s not the best with first impressions and has Anderson High School talking about the new, black, French Canadian kid on the first day. As soon as Norris begins getting comfortable and lands himself some friends, a job, and even a possible girlfriend, he obviously screws it up. Norris is new to this American high school stuff and is trying his best to navigate his way through it all.

Based on some reviews I read, those who didn’t like this book thought Norris was annoying, but I found him wildly witty and entertaining. Even though the book covered a lot of typical teenager problems, it also touched on some more serious topics as well. I liked Norris’ quirkiness and blunt honesty, even though it’s what got him in trouble throughout the novel. I think high school students in particular would relate to this one. A great debut novel from Ben Philippe!