Thomas Czarniak

Loser Fooser Thomas Czarniak

After a humiliating school field trip, fifteen-year-old Barry Egeland is on a quest to become popular. Luckily for him, he doesn't have to slay a dragon. He only needs to win his school's foosball tournament, with help from his best friend, the hot-headed Nick Rizzo. This proves easier said than done when two weeks before the tournament, Barry catches the eye of two females: his former childhood friend Lily Keaton, and the hair-flipping cheerleader, Sarah Darlington. If navigating that hormone nightmare wasn't bad enough, his foosball nemesis Orion Brockman III has decided he wants Barry out of the running. And Brockman will stop at nothing to get what he wants. As Barry's life gets kicked around by friends, enemies, love interests, and even teachers, will he complete his quest and win it all? More importantly, will he even make it to the tournament?

Loser Fooser is a fun, smart debut novel for teenagers and up. Current students will see themselves or their friends in the characters. Older readers will be transported back in time. Prevalent themes include: not fitting in, anxiety, the boundaries of friendship, dealing with intellectual bullies, and finding one's own voice. And there might be a ghost.

Despite the foosball angle, no previous knowledge of the game is required to enjoy this book. Just remember: NO SPINNING THE RODS.