Perfect for fans of Justin A. Reynolds and Talia Hibbert, this comedic romp explores the social hierarchy of high school, the ego of a teenage boy raised in a culture marred by toxic masculinity, and the meaning of “the truth will set you free.”

As the grandson of a late, great action star, Lionel Honeycutt III knows all about heroics. Not that any of Grandpa’s genes were passed down to him; Lionel is solidly a Background Character in the social hierarchy of his high school. But when a fire at a pet store has Lionel cast as the brave teen who helped everyone escape, Lionel can finally live up to the family name.

Honestly, though…Lionel isn’t sure he did any saving, despite smoky security footage that shows someone who could be him ushering victims to safety. But Lionel blacked out before he even exited the store. He keeps this minor detail to himself as everyone else—from social media influencers to his longtime crush—heralds him a hero.

As Lionel's popularity grows, so does his anxiety about his sorta-lie. Between reporters wanting to interview him about the incident, catching feelings for his longtime rival, and an anonymous source who somehow knows more about the incident than Lionel would like, Lionel starts to wonder if the truth will really set him free...or cost him everything.

BIO

Brian Wasson is a veteran teacher and an acclaimed author who specializes in writing for the young adult genre. When he's not working on a manuscript, you can find him playing with his kids, staring lovingly at his wonderful wife, and trying (and probably failing) at household DIY projects.

REVIEWS

"Wasson explores hypermasculinity and unhealthy intergenerational dynamics among men and boys. An introspective, character-driven look at masculinity and self-acceptance." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Wasson’s novel is agreeable and its characters empathetic. A good read for a long winter night." -- Booklist

[H]  Quill Tree Books  /  April 15, 2025

1.1" H x 8.3" L x 5.8" W (0.75 lbs) 304 pages

For ages 13 and up