Second to None

About this book

In it to win it.

Every school has their number ones: the class president, the first chair in band, the spelling bee champion. And behind every high rolling high achiever? A kid in second place.

Twelve-year-old DJ has a reputation for being the go-to kid for solving just about any problem. Need help getting an unfair teacher or bully off your back? DJ is your guy. He knows the social order of Ella Fitzgerald Middle school like the back of his hand. So when the usual winners start losing — all at the same time — he knows something is wrong. Very wrong.

With the help of his usual crew, Audrey, Monty, and Connor, DJ is determined to get to the bottom of what’s happening. Maybe it’s all in his head. Or maybe there’s a conspiracy at work. DJ and his friends will have to figure it out — before the school saboteur comes for them.

Reviews

Praise for High Score:

“Expertly filtering a bevy of familiar heist elements through a middle school lens while maintaining the genre’s spirit and lingo, debut author Howell writes a fast-paced adventure packed with cunning twists.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“DJ’s inviting first-person narration will make readers feel like they’re in on the action, making this Ocean’s Eleven–esque page-turner even more engaging. An exciting and entertaining heist story.”—Kirkus Reviews