The Field Guide to the North American Teenager

Norris Kaplan is a clever, cynical Black French Canadian teenager who moves to Austin, Texas, and enters an unfamiliar American high school. He copes by cataloging classmates through labels drawn from television and movies, from jocks and cheerleaders to loners. Aarti, however, resists easy classification. As Norris's observations turn into actual friendships and romantic uncertainty, the consequences of prom night force him to stop hiding behind sarcasm and see the people beyond his categories.