59 pages • 1 hour read
Ali BenjaminThe Next Great Paulie Fink
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2019A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Next Great Paulie Fink by Ali Benjamin follows seventh grader Caitlyn Breen, who arrives at the Mitchell School in rural Vermont and encounters a scheme by her quirky classmates, the Originals, to find a replacement for the mysteriously vanished Paulie Fink through a game-show-style competition. As they navigate challenges, they grapple with Paulie’s legendary status and learn about identity, nonconformity, and community.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Next Great Paulie Fink by Ali Benjamin has been praised for its engaging storytelling and relatable characters, with a strong focus on themes of identity and community. However, some readers feel the narrative pace is uneven and certain subplots could be more developed. Overall, it is considered a thought-provoking and heartfelt read suitable for middle-grade audiences.
Who Should Read The Next Great Paulie Fink?
A reader who would enjoy The Next Great Paulie Fink by Ali Benjamin is likely a middle-grade student who appreciates humorous yet poignant stories about fitting in and discovering oneself. Fans of Wonder by R.J. Palacio and Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea will find similar themes of friendship, empathy, and personal growth.