My Brilliant Idea (And How It Caused My Downfall)

April 4, 2016
In a delightfully off-kilter high school comedy, Scottish musician and adult novelist David introduces Jack Dawson, a would-be Ferris Bueller. His latest moneymaking scheme is an app designed to keep kids from getting in trouble in school, but the only person Jack knows who can do the programming is Elsie, a deeply eccentric genius who hates Jack’s guts. Elsie wants something, though—a look at her secret crush, Drew, naked. Trying to make this happen, Jack seeks out Drew’s friend Yatesy, an art student who also hates Jack’s guts, but who is facing expulsion for fighting. Jack promises Yatesy he’ll find someone else to take the fall if—well, that’s where it gets complicated. Jack, a charming incompetent who seems destined to end up in the factory next to his Dad, is as incorrigible as he is optimistic. His plans are ridiculous, but they’re his, and there’s always another one. “Your mind is diseased,” Yatesy tells Jack at one point. “It’s a sewer. But I think I’m starting to like you.” Readers will find it hard to disagree. Ages 12–up. Agent: Joanna Swainson, Hardman & Swainson.