Allen Zadoff is the author of nine novels and a memoir, including the thriller series The Unknown Assassin, which debuted to starred reviews and was a YALSA Top Ten Pick for Reluctant Readers. The series has been translated into over a dozen languages and is in active development at Sony Pictures. Allen's most recent middle-grade sci-fi action series, Wild & Chance, is available now. A former stage director, Zadoff is a graduate of Cornell University, the Harvard University Institute for Advanced Theater Training, and the Warner Bros. Writers Workshop.

★ "Readers need not be familiar with either the stage or the football field to enjoy this excellently crafted novel. A pitch-perfect journey of self-discovery. "--Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

"Though packed with hilarious zingers and witty one-liners, Eugene's story--including his complex relationships with food, his plus-size body, and the social expectations of attractiveness--is one that will tug at readers' emotions."--Booklist

"Laugh-out-loud humor, depictions of genuine teenage connections, and sly reworkings of evergreen tropes surrounding body image and high school stereotypes make for a subversive coming-of-age romp."--Publishers Weekly

"There's a scene in this book where a character has to stretch out a sweater while nervously preparing to attend his first high school party and I have never felt more seen. Allen Zadoff has written a book just for me. A heartbreaking coming of age tale that finds triumph in failure. Football, first crushes, theater and donuts. I love this book." --Yehudi Mercado, author of Chunky and Sci-Fu

"A masterful page-turner. You'll root for Eugene long after the final chapter. Chef's kiss!" --Lisa Fipps, Printz Honoree for Starfish

"You don't have to be obsessed with theatre, or donuts, to enjoy this plot-twisty tale about an overweight, insecure high school senior. The Donut Prince of New York proves that guys too can have food issues and fears about fitting in; it may even inspire you to accept yourself!"--Winnie Holzman, Co-writer (with Stephen Schwartz) of the musical Wicked

"Zadoff shines as an ever insightful, imaginative, profoundly empathetic and funny writer--and the junior year travails of Eugene Guterman stands as one of his very best and most satisfying novels to date."--Stephen Adly Guirgis, Pulitzer Prize Winner

Publisher: Holiday House

Pub date: 2024-11-05

Length: 352 pages