This Could All Go Bad - by Spencer Hall (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

One night can change everything in this hilarious and heartfelt novel perfect for young teens about to start high school. Perfect for former fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

It's no secret that Jensen Chapman is a coward (though he prefers the term 'risk averse'). He's scared of dodgeball day in gym class, intimidated by his older sister (she's weirdly strong, alright?), nervous around his crush Leslie Chen, and freaked out about starting high school...just to name a few things. But on the night before his eighth-grade graduation, that's all about to change.

When Jensen's two best friends, Maleek and Cooper, show up to kidnap him (OK, recruit him) to compete against a group of girls-including Leslie Chen herself-in a series of escalating dares, Jensen knows it's now or never: face his fears once and for all, or face a life of spinelessness forever. The boys set out on an epic race against the clock that includes faulty skateboards, internet-famous ferrets, and a stolen golf cart. But when Jensen finds out that Maleek and Cooper have been keeping a huge secret from him, he'll need every scrap of his newfound bravery to save their friendship.

Review Quotes

"Here is a combination like few others: A raucous, crazy group adventure during the last night of childhood as high school looms, AND an intimate and deeply moving portrayal of deep friendship on the brink of change. Told through Jensen's perceptive and hyper-imaginative eighth-grade voice, this novel embraces the comedy and poignancy of growing up through learning to face what you might lose, and embracing what you might gain. Once you start, you won't be able to get out of this story-it feels that true." --Gary D. Schmidt, award-winning author of WEDNESDAY WARS, OKAY FOR NOW, and ORBITING JUPITER

"Equal parts hysterical and heartfelt, This Could All Go Bad authentically tackles friendships, awkward first crushes, mental health, and the courage to be your true self. It's the voice-y, validating story I needed as a teen and one that will unquestionably resonate with every reader." --Julian Winters, award-winning author of PRINCE OF THE PALISADES

"This Could All Go Bad is hilarious-like, snort-in-a-quiet-room funny-but there's something much deeper going on, a raw honesty that squeezed my heart, again and again, in unexpected moments. I loved every bit of it." --Jared Reck, author of A SHORT HISTORY OF THE GIRL NEXT DOOR

About the Author

Spencer Hall is a graduate of University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky. After moving to Chicago to study improv, he soon realized when it comes to being funny, he's better at writing things down than making them up on the spot. He enjoys writing comedic stories about friendship, embracing the unexpected, and self-discovery. When he's not writing, he can usually be found drawing stick figure comics (poorly), playing pickleball (adequately), and working with his wife to determine the best donut in town (expertly).
https: //www.spencertryinghisbest.com/
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