Cover of Tremendous Things

Tremendous Things

Author Susin Nielsen

Grades 7 & Up Ages 12 and up

A funny and heartfelt story about learning how to rise above your most embarrassing moment while staying true to yourself--with the help of old friends, new friends, and some cheesy poetry.

At the start of ninth grade, Wilbur Nuñez-Knopf is hoping for a fresh start. But he just can't live down a deeply humiliating moment from two years ago that's followed him to high school. His good friend Alex has stuck by him, but Alex has started dating Fabrizio and he doesn't have much time to hang out. Luckily, Wil can still confide in his elderly neighbor, Sal. But he longs to have a special someone of his own.

When the school band does an exchange with students from Paris, a girl named Charlie captures Wilbur's heart. But his feelings aren't reciprocated. So Alex, Fabrizio, and Sal join forces to build Wil's confidence in the hope that he can impress Charlie when they go to Paris. Maybe, just maybe, Wilbur will find a new defining moment in the City of Love.

Available Formats

eBook 9781524768409

State Awards

Kansas

2021, Kansas NEA Reading Circle, Selection

Oklahoma

2023, OLA Sequoyah Book Award Masterlist, Nominee

Random House Children's Books Teachers and Librarians