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Bubble Sheet Blues
Inspired by a dead man, his 8th grade English teacher, and the school librarian, Luke Collins, gets involved in a research project that puts his reputation as a slacker at risk, draws him closer to a girl he has long admired, and to his astonishment, generates excitement that reverberates beyond his school and community.
A self-confessed slacker, Luke Collins, is an eighth grader enrolled at Palm Ridge Middle School in South Florida. When Luke is assigned an I-Search paper, he tries to take the easy way out and write about subject he's used twice before-manatees. However, his English teacher and the school librarian, push him to choose a more challenging subject. When Luke reluctantly begins his research project, he finds himself engaged in a sequence of events that reverberate far beyond his school and his community.
Not only does Bubble Sheet Blues take a critical look at the use of high-stakes standardized testing in schools, but it also explores a range of important themes including the censorship/banned books, the effects of divorce on kids, and what makes a good teacher. As a bonus, the book introduces a supporting cast of colorful student characters, incompetent administrators, and soccer coach with an affinity for philosophy. The book also includes a first for the author-a light touch of middle school romance. But the strongest element of all in Bubble Sheet Blues is its humor.
A self-confessed slacker, Luke Collins, is an eighth grader enrolled at Palm Ridge Middle School in South Florida. When Luke is assigned an I-Search paper, he tries to take the easy way out and write about subject he's used twice before-manatees. However, his English teacher and the school librarian, push him to choose a more challenging subject. When Luke reluctantly begins his research project, he finds himself engaged in a sequence of events that reverberate far beyond his school and his community.
Not only does Bubble Sheet Blues take a critical look at the use of high-stakes standardized testing in schools, but it also explores a range of important themes including the censorship/banned books, the effects of divorce on kids, and what makes a good teacher. As a bonus, the book introduces a supporting cast of colorful student characters, incompetent administrators, and soccer coach with an affinity for philosophy. The book also includes a first for the author-a light touch of middle school romance. But the strongest element of all in Bubble Sheet Blues is its humor.
208 pages, Paperback
Published January 2, 2026
2 people are currently reading
2326 people want to read
About the author
William Durbin
59 books56 followersWilliam Durbin lives on Lake Vermilion at the edge of Minnesota's Boundary Waters Wilderness. A winner of the Great Lakes Book Award and a two-time winner of the Minnesota Book award, he has published short stories, essays, and poetry, as well as fourteen novels for young readers, including The Broken Blade, Wintering, Blackwater Ben, The Darkest Evening, The Journal of Otto Peltonen, and El Lector, which has been optioned for film by Jane Starz Productions. His latest novel, co-authored with his wife, Barbara is The Hidden Room. For more information visit his website at williamdurbin.com.
Durbin's honors include a Junior Library Guild Selection, Bank Street College Children’s Book of Year list, the ALA’s Amelia Bloomer list, New York Library Books for the Teen Age list, Maud Hart Lovelace nomination, Jefferson Cup Series of Note Award, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award, America’s Award commended title, Book Sense Summer Pick, Boy’s Life magazine serialization, St. Petersburg Times serialization, nominations for numerous state awards lists, and starred reviews in the major journals.
“William Durbin’s attention to detail—both historical and fictional—make him one of today’s masters of historical YA fiction.” -- David Gill of the NCTE
Durbin's honors include a Junior Library Guild Selection, Bank Street College Children’s Book of Year list, the ALA’s Amelia Bloomer list, New York Library Books for the Teen Age list, Maud Hart Lovelace nomination, Jefferson Cup Series of Note Award, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award, America’s Award commended title, Book Sense Summer Pick, Boy’s Life magazine serialization, St. Petersburg Times serialization, nominations for numerous state awards lists, and starred reviews in the major journals.
“William Durbin’s attention to detail—both historical and fictional—make him one of today’s masters of historical YA fiction.” -- David Gill of the NCTE
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
January 9, 2026
Smart, Funny, and Thought Provoking
Bubble Sheet Blues is an engaging middle grade novel that blends humor with meaningful insight into school life. William Durbin creates a relatable protagonist in Luke Collins, whose journey from self-proclaimed slacker to curious thinker is both entertaining and heartfelt. The story cleverly tackles issues like standardized testing, censorship, and the impact of caring teachers, all while keeping the tone light and funny. With memorable characters and plenty of laughs, this is a thoughtful and enjoyable read for students, educators, and anyone who remembers the challenges of middle school.
Bubble Sheet Blues is an engaging middle grade novel that blends humor with meaningful insight into school life. William Durbin creates a relatable protagonist in Luke Collins, whose journey from self-proclaimed slacker to curious thinker is both entertaining and heartfelt. The story cleverly tackles issues like standardized testing, censorship, and the impact of caring teachers, all while keeping the tone light and funny. With memorable characters and plenty of laughs, this is a thoughtful and enjoyable read for students, educators, and anyone who remembers the challenges of middle school.
Displaying 1 of 1 review