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Schooled
From a delightful new voice in fiction comes the story of a stay-at-home dad reclaiming his past and discovering a new future.
Jack Parker didn’t set out to be a stay-at-home dad, but his professional dreams went up in smoke after he accidentally burned down his office building. Six years later, Jack’s got parenting his two kids down cold.
Then comes an unwelcome blast from Jack’s past: high school nemesis Chad Henson. He beat out Jack for class president, stole his girlfriend, and never had so much as a pimple in his four years of adolescent bliss. Now Chad has moved to the same midwestern town Jack calls home.
When Jack learns Chad is running for president of his daughter’s school board, he decides to run to settle old scores. But parent politics prove more cutthroat than Jack could have imagined, and he’s facing unexpected challenges in his marriage, too, forcing him to question his role in the family. Suddenly, the election is about more than Jack’s past. It’s an opportunity to discover the person he wants to become.
People grow up, but some high school rivalries never die. It’s time Chad Henson got schooled once and for all—and for Jack to learn a few things of his own.
Jack Parker didn’t set out to be a stay-at-home dad, but his professional dreams went up in smoke after he accidentally burned down his office building. Six years later, Jack’s got parenting his two kids down cold.
Then comes an unwelcome blast from Jack’s past: high school nemesis Chad Henson. He beat out Jack for class president, stole his girlfriend, and never had so much as a pimple in his four years of adolescent bliss. Now Chad has moved to the same midwestern town Jack calls home.
When Jack learns Chad is running for president of his daughter’s school board, he decides to run to settle old scores. But parent politics prove more cutthroat than Jack could have imagined, and he’s facing unexpected challenges in his marriage, too, forcing him to question his role in the family. Suddenly, the election is about more than Jack’s past. It’s an opportunity to discover the person he wants to become.
People grow up, but some high school rivalries never die. It’s time Chad Henson got schooled once and for all—and for Jack to learn a few things of his own.
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First published October 1, 2022
1561 people are currently reading
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About the author
Ted Fox
4 books56 followersTed Fox writes funny things, except for this bio, which is mildly amusing at best. His second novel, Date Week, is out now, and his first, Schooled, is currently in development for film/TV. He is also the author of You Know Who’s Awesome? (Not You) and its offspring, The Not Awesome daily calendar, as well as the host of the Working Drafts podcast. Ted lives in the Midwest with his wife, their two kids, and a dog who has yet to find something she won’t try to eat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 304 reviews
June 17, 2022
How could anyone really care about the election of a grammar school parent board election? I’m not sure how Ted Fox did it, but I cared.
They say write what you know. Well, this author surely knows a thing or two about being a stay-at-home dad. And someone who’s clearly given thought to the role sexism plays in the workplace.
I read a lot of mysteries, and like most people I like piecing together endings. Somehow I never saw this one coming.
A good review should also point out the negatives.
So I’ll tell you I had a hard time with the names of the kids.
I’m of a generation where Klay, Lulu, Crispin just don’t make it.
But that probably says more about me than the author.
They say write what you know. Well, this author surely knows a thing or two about being a stay-at-home dad. And someone who’s clearly given thought to the role sexism plays in the workplace.
I read a lot of mysteries, and like most people I like piecing together endings. Somehow I never saw this one coming.
A good review should also point out the negatives.
So I’ll tell you I had a hard time with the names of the kids.
I’m of a generation where Klay, Lulu, Crispin just don’t make it.
But that probably says more about me than the author.
September 7, 2022
4 5 stars. I'm on a streak of great books with First Reads. This book was one of the September offerings and I was in the mood for a few grins and chose this one. It didn't disappoint. There were in fact more than a few laugh out loud real life moments especialy with Jack's 2 young kids. Fun cast of characters, a smarmy high school nemises and a coniving principal. The ending couldn't have turned out better. Ted Fox is a new author for me and I'll for sure be reading him again.
August 23, 2022
Great dialogue, a little high school nemesis revenge, a parent board election and all that entails for parents & teachers today, and a plot that keeps you wondering- how’s this going to end for Jack are all parts of a great, fun read.
September 25, 2022
Boring
I understand the premise of the book - stay at home dad builds career - but this book was just plain boring. I have kids, too, and no matter how funny the description of making lunches, it's not interesting or exciting. The plot line was over the top in its political correctness. Stay at home dad, top executive working mom, gay couple, equity in school supplies, traditional (bad) parents. It felt like one big lecture. But the biggest sin is that it was boring.
I understand the premise of the book - stay at home dad builds career - but this book was just plain boring. I have kids, too, and no matter how funny the description of making lunches, it's not interesting or exciting. The plot line was over the top in its political correctness. Stay at home dad, top executive working mom, gay couple, equity in school supplies, traditional (bad) parents. It felt like one big lecture. But the biggest sin is that it was boring.
April 13, 2024
4.5 stars, brilliant and funny!
September 12, 2022
I did not finish this book. I made it maybe 30% through.
I own it maybe someday I will try and pick up where I left off.
The book tries to be funny, and maybe tries too hard.
I tried for a week or two to read it. It was such a struggle - during my week or so attempt to read this, I found several old Marvel comics about characters I don't even care about that were more interesting.
Removed from my Kindle device.
I own it maybe someday I will try and pick up where I left off.
The book tries to be funny, and maybe tries too hard.
I tried for a week or two to read it. It was such a struggle - during my week or so attempt to read this, I found several old Marvel comics about characters I don't even care about that were more interesting.
Removed from my Kindle device.
June 19, 2023
I want to grab a beer with Ted Fox. This guy is hilarious!
If you're looking for an entertaining story that will keep a smile on your face with a couple of laugh out loud moments, look no further. When I read books like this I usually keep my notes app handy to write about all the great references. But I read this so quickly I didn't want to put the book down. So, I will definitely have missed some, but here are some of the memorable things: anger about co-worker microwaving fish, having The Office play in the background, the airing of grievances on Festivus, a clandestine meeting at Target where one party wants to use the alias "Deep Throat," a shout out to Alec Baldwin's speech in Glengarry Glen Ross - "Always Be Closing," and my personal favorite - a multiple triple word score in Scrabble using the word "quixotic."
Setting the jokes aside, there was a really solid story here about being a stay-at-home parent and how difficult it is. Through our protagonist, Jack Parker, we see someone who deeply cares about his children and rearing them. To Jack's credit, he never seems to lose his temper in their presence, instead dishing out a healthy amount of sarcasm. But Jack also recognizes that although he loves his children there are times when peace and quiet are cherished. Today, I finished this book while my kids were at camp. For 8 blessed hours, there was no arguing, no asking what's for lunch, no requests to play with them, no "mommy" or "daddy" ... just the sound of silence. And it was glorious. I love my kids and making quality memories, but I love my freedom from them too.
Jack is able to acknowledge the hardships of being a single parent referring to them as "superheroes." I echo his sentiments; I don't know how people do it. The rare times that my wife is out of town for a conference I struggle to maintain my sanity in the mornings of getting ready for work and making sure that the kids are ready for school (to their credit, and I'm going to brag here, my kids are very self-sufficient and make getting ready in the morning very easy). But for someone like Jack getting a 5-year-old ready for school while having a 2-year-old in tow is no easy task. And Jack isn't even a single parent! I've been going on about all his feats, but he's married. That's the other amazing aspect to this book - discussing the difficulties of marriage when raising children. It's so easy to be resentful of your spouse when you feel like you are doing the bulk of the childcare. It fosters tension and animosity, not just from that parent, but also jealously (at times) from the working parent. This book does a great job of navigating the complex issues of maintaining a strong, healthy marriage while raising young kids.
Oh yeah, there's also this whole aspect of the story, which is really the central theme of the story where Jack encounters his high school nemesis and they run for the same position to be president of the Parent Board.
If you're looking for an entertaining story that will keep a smile on your face with a couple of laugh out loud moments, look no further. When I read books like this I usually keep my notes app handy to write about all the great references. But I read this so quickly I didn't want to put the book down. So, I will definitely have missed some, but here are some of the memorable things: anger about co-worker microwaving fish, having The Office play in the background, the airing of grievances on Festivus, a clandestine meeting at Target where one party wants to use the alias "Deep Throat," a shout out to Alec Baldwin's speech in Glengarry Glen Ross - "Always Be Closing," and my personal favorite - a multiple triple word score in Scrabble using the word "quixotic."
Setting the jokes aside, there was a really solid story here about being a stay-at-home parent and how difficult it is. Through our protagonist, Jack Parker, we see someone who deeply cares about his children and rearing them. To Jack's credit, he never seems to lose his temper in their presence, instead dishing out a healthy amount of sarcasm. But Jack also recognizes that although he loves his children there are times when peace and quiet are cherished. Today, I finished this book while my kids were at camp. For 8 blessed hours, there was no arguing, no asking what's for lunch, no requests to play with them, no "mommy" or "daddy" ... just the sound of silence. And it was glorious. I love my kids and making quality memories, but I love my freedom from them too.
Jack is able to acknowledge the hardships of being a single parent referring to them as "superheroes." I echo his sentiments; I don't know how people do it. The rare times that my wife is out of town for a conference I struggle to maintain my sanity in the mornings of getting ready for work and making sure that the kids are ready for school (to their credit, and I'm going to brag here, my kids are very self-sufficient and make getting ready in the morning very easy). But for someone like Jack getting a 5-year-old ready for school while having a 2-year-old in tow is no easy task. And Jack isn't even a single parent! I've been going on about all his feats, but he's married. That's the other amazing aspect to this book - discussing the difficulties of marriage when raising children. It's so easy to be resentful of your spouse when you feel like you are doing the bulk of the childcare. It fosters tension and animosity, not just from that parent, but also jealously (at times) from the working parent. This book does a great job of navigating the complex issues of maintaining a strong, healthy marriage while raising young kids.
Oh yeah, there's also this whole aspect of the story, which is really the central theme of the story where Jack encounters his high school nemesis and they run for the same position to be president of the Parent Board.
January 17, 2023
A fun, easy read that doesn't take itself too seriously.
At times it got a bit cringey (intentionally), which is not my cup of tea, but overall it was well written and entertaining, especially for a debut novel.
At times it got a bit cringey (intentionally), which is not my cup of tea, but overall it was well written and entertaining, especially for a debut novel.
March 13, 2024
Short and entertaining.
October 5, 2022
Satisfying and entertaining! I lucked out with a free copy through Goodreads so I’m adding my opinion to the ether.
Basically, I read this on a whim and I didn’t expect to find this book as enjoyable as I did. There are a lot of fun references to pop culture and quips one would expect of a humorous book. If you like Mean Girls or You Again, you’ll probably enjoy this competitive story about dads vying for the presidential role on the school board!
Basically, I read this on a whim and I didn’t expect to find this book as enjoyable as I did. There are a lot of fun references to pop culture and quips one would expect of a humorous book. If you like Mean Girls or You Again, you’ll probably enjoy this competitive story about dads vying for the presidential role on the school board!
July 9, 2023
This was a very fun and cute book. Just one to make you smile!
October 5, 2022
High School Rivals
I loved the story line. It brought back some high school memories for myself. There is a certain lifestyle brought into this book which I didn’t appreciate. Every author now, thinks this has to be included into every story, how sad 🥲
I loved the story line. It brought back some high school memories for myself. There is a certain lifestyle brought into this book which I didn’t appreciate. Every author now, thinks this has to be included into every story, how sad 🥲
July 28, 2023
OMG this book was hilarious and delightful. More people should read it.
September 20, 2022
Jack’s obsession with his high school nemesis bugged me at first. But as the book went along, Jack blossomed a bit and I enjoyed the story arc.
Some of it made me smile or laugh out loud.
It gently highlights, on a micro level and without preaching, larger issues like education inequality, corruption and voter suppression, double standards for women in the workplace, gun violence.
3.65 stars
Some of it made me smile or laugh out loud.
It gently highlights, on a micro level and without preaching, larger issues like education inequality, corruption and voter suppression, double standards for women in the workplace, gun violence.
3.65 stars
October 22, 2022
A novel written by a male author about a male pov without the constant tears, glassy eyes or whatever female authors in this date and age love to present us, is just so damn refreshing.
“So allow me to use the ludicrous privilege I’ve been given simply by virtue of possessing a Y chromosome to underscore this simple truth on behalf of all parents, especially the moms, who feel they can’t:
Having kids it’s amazing - but it can also suck. Full stop.
And being a stay-at-home parent? That takes it to another level due to sheer amount of expusure we get to the kids tyranny. This in turn can lead to tension with the non-stay-at-home parent.”
“So allow me to use the ludicrous privilege I’ve been given simply by virtue of possessing a Y chromosome to underscore this simple truth on behalf of all parents, especially the moms, who feel they can’t:
Having kids it’s amazing - but it can also suck. Full stop.
And being a stay-at-home parent? That takes it to another level due to sheer amount of expusure we get to the kids tyranny. This in turn can lead to tension with the non-stay-at-home parent.”
November 6, 2022
Jack Parker has been a stay-at-home dad for 6 years to his 2 children, while his wife builds her career in an accounting firm. Jack's career had ended suddenly after he accidentally set a fire in his office building, and the new boss that had acquired the company that Jack had helped to make so successful, fired him on the spot after criticizing home for not acting faster to help lay off a good portion of the work force. Jack lost his career focus and didn't work too hard at finding another job, but after the first child was born, he found that he was really good at being a stay-at-home-parent and he loved what he was doing. His wife was completely onboard with his decision, but he continued to get pressure from other family members to get back "out there".
When Jack's daughter starts kindergarten at the local school, he runs into his old high school nemesis, Chad, who also has a child starting school. Chad had humiliated Jack in countless ways during their high school years. Both Jack and Chad decide to run for president of the school's governing board, and the old feelings of dread and anger surface.
Given the shallow, made-up competition between these two guys, the book is quite comical and interesting and was an easy read. It also covers all the stereotypes about dads who parent and moms who pursue careers.
When Jack's daughter starts kindergarten at the local school, he runs into his old high school nemesis, Chad, who also has a child starting school. Chad had humiliated Jack in countless ways during their high school years. Both Jack and Chad decide to run for president of the school's governing board, and the old feelings of dread and anger surface.
Given the shallow, made-up competition between these two guys, the book is quite comical and interesting and was an easy read. It also covers all the stereotypes about dads who parent and moms who pursue careers.
October 12, 2022
I wasn't quite sure about this one to begin with, but it is a delightful read!
Jack Parker has been tasked with deciding who to axe from the workplace - that's why he's there, on his own, at the weekend. Setting the building on fire wasn't in his plans, but it happened and as a result he's the one without a job. With his wife pregnant and climbing the corporate ladder, Jack takes on childcare and six years later he's raising their two kids and is happy in his skin. Then his high school nemesis pops up in his neighbourhood, bringing back a whole host of buried memories and when Jack learns that Chad is running for president of the school board, he decides it's time the world - or at least the local community - learned what a lying, cheating, untrustworthy scoundrel he is.
I have a tendency to being reading a novel without first checking the synopsis - that way I'm not waiting for something to happen, so I did wonder where this one was heading. I very quickly took to Jack Parker; he's very much a family man and has a great relationship with both his wife and his kids. The appearance of Chad very quickly 'upped the ante' and I became even fonder of Jack - you somehow never forget those who lied and cheated their way through the teen years! On the one hand, this is a very sensible read and one we can all identify with. On the other, it's all about getting even and, as we know, revenge is a dish best served cold. A very entertaining read and the ending was the icing on the cake! A thoroughly enjoyable novel which I'm happy to recommend and give 4.5*.
Jack Parker has been tasked with deciding who to axe from the workplace - that's why he's there, on his own, at the weekend. Setting the building on fire wasn't in his plans, but it happened and as a result he's the one without a job. With his wife pregnant and climbing the corporate ladder, Jack takes on childcare and six years later he's raising their two kids and is happy in his skin. Then his high school nemesis pops up in his neighbourhood, bringing back a whole host of buried memories and when Jack learns that Chad is running for president of the school board, he decides it's time the world - or at least the local community - learned what a lying, cheating, untrustworthy scoundrel he is.
I have a tendency to being reading a novel without first checking the synopsis - that way I'm not waiting for something to happen, so I did wonder where this one was heading. I very quickly took to Jack Parker; he's very much a family man and has a great relationship with both his wife and his kids. The appearance of Chad very quickly 'upped the ante' and I became even fonder of Jack - you somehow never forget those who lied and cheated their way through the teen years! On the one hand, this is a very sensible read and one we can all identify with. On the other, it's all about getting even and, as we know, revenge is a dish best served cold. A very entertaining read and the ending was the icing on the cake! A thoroughly enjoyable novel which I'm happy to recommend and give 4.5*.
February 13, 2023
As a PTA/PTO parent, this story of a stay at home dad running for the parent board presidency makes me thankful for our nominating committee and process.
This book is a tale of two high school rivals, a principal with an agenda, and all the hijinks that you could imagine. It does a good job of expressing the struggles of having one parent stay home and the other work in increasingly complicated positions, making friends as an adult, and finding your identity when caregiving has been your primary role for years.
Heavy subjects, but a light read.
This book is a tale of two high school rivals, a principal with an agenda, and all the hijinks that you could imagine. It does a good job of expressing the struggles of having one parent stay home and the other work in increasingly complicated positions, making friends as an adult, and finding your identity when caregiving has been your primary role for years.
Heavy subjects, but a light read.
October 22, 2022
This was a First Reads book that I skipped grabbing, but added to my TBR list. I was expecting to read about 10 pages before giving up. I ended up reading this in 2 days, including staying up until midnight to finish it because I HAD TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE PARENT BOARD ELECTION!! I had no idea I would get so invested in a book about an elementary school's parent board.
The author has a great writing style that flows and makes it easy to get caught up in. I appreciated how our main character Jack developed and grew throughout the book. Though he owes his wife a spa weekend. I would've preferred a little more resolution towards their relationship. It was almost there, but slightly less than enough for me.
The author has a great writing style that flows and makes it easy to get caught up in. I appreciated how our main character Jack developed and grew throughout the book. Though he owes his wife a spa weekend. I would've preferred a little more resolution towards their relationship. It was almost there, but slightly less than enough for me.
January 15, 2023
The Mommy Wars but with stay at home dads and breadwinner moms? References to Mean Girls? Chance to right the wrongs of adolescent bullies?
I picked it up on a "humor" reading kick, but it went deeper into family dynamics, extended family expectations, and the angst of our early years than I expected.
I picked it up on a "humor" reading kick, but it went deeper into family dynamics, extended family expectations, and the angst of our early years than I expected.
November 16, 2022
A dad's perspective
I wasn't sure what I would think of a book written by a dad with a dad as the protagonist. I like it! Jack is a stay-at-home dad who decides to run for president of his daughter's school board. His childhood nemesis is running against him which deepens the stakes. There are deep thoughts about gender roles here, packaged in a worthwhile novel
I wasn't sure what I would think of a book written by a dad with a dad as the protagonist. I like it! Jack is a stay-at-home dad who decides to run for president of his daughter's school board. His childhood nemesis is running against him which deepens the stakes. There are deep thoughts about gender roles here, packaged in a worthwhile novel
September 12, 2022
3.5 Stars
Schooled by Ted Fox is an enjoyable light read.
This debut novel is best when Fox is describing the stay-at-home fatherhood of his main character, Jack Parker, with his two young children, Lulu and Klay. The chuckle-worthy humor is great whenever these three people are together.
Fox's final plot twist provides a near-perfect conclusion to his story of high school rivalries that never die.
Schooled by Ted Fox is an enjoyable light read.
This debut novel is best when Fox is describing the stay-at-home fatherhood of his main character, Jack Parker, with his two young children, Lulu and Klay. The chuckle-worthy humor is great whenever these three people are together.
Fox's final plot twist provides a near-perfect conclusion to his story of high school rivalries that never die.
September 23, 2022
I couldn't put this down. Believe it or not, Ted Fox has created a witty, exciting novel based on the adventures of a stay-at-home father of two young children who runs for the parent board (not PTA) of the local elementary school. With a wicked principal trying to manipulate the election result, things get down and dirty. Highly amusing.
September 27, 2022
Thanks to Prime first reads for a great read! Is there such a thing as men's chick lit? What would be the name of the genre? In any case, loved this and it kept me on the elliptical...
January 11, 2023
Predictable story - the only novelty is that it's stay-at-home Dads not Moms. A comic writer and entertaining enough, although filled with a lot of the usual parenting stereotypes.
December 3, 2022
Really loved this book, it was funny and the parenting side of it so well captured that it really made me realise that our lives are so different, but our struggles seem to be always the same. Loved it and would recommend it to all parents, even if that's maybe not its main topic. :)
October 21, 2023
Ok, but this book exceeded all my expectations. I thought it was just going to be a meh book since the only reason why I was reading it was because my husband picked it as my next book, but it was really great. It’s funny, tugs on your heartstrings a little, so much petty drama.
It was also really refreshing seeing the POV of a SAHD
I really recommend this book and I’m sure I’ll be seeking out other books by Ted Fox
It was also really refreshing seeing the POV of a SAHD
I really recommend this book and I’m sure I’ll be seeking out other books by Ted Fox
May 11, 2025
It was ok. Felt like reading about so many people's ordinary lives. I don't think this book would have made it if the main character had been a woman doing these ordinary things.
October 15, 2022
I thought this book was so cute and relatable. It’s the dad’s version of “Class moms.”
October 2, 2022
I appreciated this one in some parts. I loved the author’s writing style…initially. I’m not a stay-at-home-parent but I’m the one with the majority of the responsibilities. I can relate to the frustration of having the spouse who sleeps in and then needs more time for themself while I’ve been up with the kids and doing things around the house. Or the spouse who works too much.
Maybe this one hit a little too close to home and I started to resent it, but it really started to drag.
There were also the thinly veiled attempts to shove progressivism and expansion of welfare programs down the reader’s throat, while harping on “equity” and lesbian oppression and providing gratuitous mentions of gun violence in schools. I don’t need that.
Honestly, though, I really didn’t care for how it ended. It was completely selfish and did a disservice to the school if we were to believe how bad Chad really is and how important the school board is.
The author has promise, but I probably won’t read another.
Maybe this one hit a little too close to home and I started to resent it, but it really started to drag.
There were also the thinly veiled attempts to shove progressivism and expansion of welfare programs down the reader’s throat, while harping on “equity” and lesbian oppression and providing gratuitous mentions of gun violence in schools. I don’t need that.
Honestly, though, I really didn’t care for how it ended. It was completely selfish and did a disservice to the school if we were to believe how bad Chad really is and how important the school board is.
The author has promise, but I probably won’t read another.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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