Bubble Sheet Blues

by William Durbin

Inspired by a dead man, his 8th grade English teacher, and the school librarian, Luke Collins, gets involved in a research project which 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 far beyond his school and community.

When Luke is assigned an I-Search paper at Palm Ridge Middle school, he tries to take the easy way out and write about a subject he's used twice before-manatees. However, his English teacher and the school librarian push him to choose a more challenging subject. As Luke reluctantly starts his research, he becomes engaged in a way that shocks his friends and ultimately changes his attitude toward both school and life.

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 censorship/banned books, the effects of divorce on kids, and what makes an effective teacher (and librarian). As a bonus, the book introduces a supporting cast of colorful student characters, incompetent administrators, and a soccer coach with an affinity for philosophy. But the strongest element of all in Bubble Sheet Blues is its humor.

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2026

About the author

William 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