Capricorn Anderson, age 13, has never eaten pizza or watched television. But he does play Beatles songs on his guitar and practice tai chi.  Happily growing up on a farm, home-schooled by his grandmother, and blissfully unaware of modern popular culture, Cap is suddenly thrust into a public middle school when his grandmother needs to stay in the hospital for a few weeks. He moves in with a guidance counselor and her teen daughter (a soap opera addict)—and he faces a steep learning curve.  Instantly labeled as weird, Cap navigates eighth grade culture, armed with his optimism, sense of justice, and captivating personality.

The tradition is to elect the biggest “nerd” student body president, and Cap fits the bill. Without missing a beat, our hero tackles football, student government, and the Halloween dance somehow generating a change in attitude amongst his new classmates, one student at a time.  Both funny and touching, Schooled will make even the oldest among us laugh at Cap’s challenges and triumphs.  Along with the laughter, there are moments of reflection, and certainly enough to talk about over a pizza dinner!

Return to the Solano Kids Reads main page