The Stand-In
Age 13+
General Fiction
A hilarious and charming story about a working-class kid who rents himself out as a (completely platonic) stand-in date for the socially awkward but wealthy in order to earn money for college, by the screenwriter of the classic teen movie A Sure Thing.
17-year-old Brooks Rattigan, from a working-class town, reluctantly agrees-for money -- to be a stand-in Homecoming date for a friend's geeky but wealthy cousin. Embarrassing as the evening is, he realizes that becoming a (completely platonic) rent-a-date for the rich but socially awkward could help him earn money to go to college. He soon finds himself in a previously unknown world of privilege and perks and starts living the high life, turning his back on his old friends. But he has to lie through his teeth about his background to be accepted by this elite group. In the end, he comes back to his roots -- with the right girl beside him.
Creators
A working screenwriter for TV and movies for over 30 years, Steve Bloom attended Brown University and the graduate film production program at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. Among his produced credits are the films "The· Sure Thing," "Tai! Tale," "James and the Giant Peach'' and "Jack Frost." "The Stand-In" is his first novel. The idea for it was triggered when a friend asked him if Bloom's daughter might know someone who could escort his daughter to a dance when her date suddenly canceled. Bloom lives in western Massachusetts with his wife, Jennifer, and their French bulldog, Ricky.
Reviews
Frequent drug use, language, and sexual content make this a book more suited for older teens. VERDICT: A purchase for libraries where realistic fiction and coming-of-age titles are in demand.
School Library Journal
