Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe captures the challenges of teenage life with wit and realism. Readers generally praise the protagonist's sharp humor and relatable experiences, though some feel the initial cynicism could be off-putting. The novel adeptly explores themes of identity and belonging, resonating well with both teens and adults.

Readers who enjoy witty, humorous, and honest depictions of teenage life and identity struggles, similar to The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han, will likely appreciate Ben Philippe's Field Guide to the North American Teenager.

Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe centers on Black Haitian Canadian teen Norris Kaplan as he adapts to life in Austin, Texas, confronting stereotypes and making new connections. Norris gains a reputation as the "rude Canadian," forms a crush on Aarti, befriends loner Liam, and navigates complex relationships with cheerleader Madison while growing and learning from his experiences. Depicts racism, bigoted language, and descriptions of suicide.

Humorous / Emotional / Contemplative / Romantic / Bittersweet

- Field Guide to the North American Teenager won the William C. Morris Award for a debut YA novel in 2020, an honor given by the American Library Association.
- Ben Philippe, before becoming an author, taught screenwriting at Barnard College in New York City.
- The book explores themes of identity and belonging, reflecting Philippe's own experiences as a Haitian Canadian navigating different cultural landscapes.

**Norris Kaplan**  
A Black French-Canadian teen who moves from Montreal to Austin, Texas, bringing with him a sharply critical attitude that often leads to conflict as he navigates his new high school environment.

**Madison McElwee**  
Known as Maddie, she is a cheerleader known for her selfless nature and plays a crucial role in Norris’s adjustment to life in Austin by helping him secure a job and offering assistance in his social pursuits.

**Aarti Puri**  
An artistic teen girl at Anderson High, whose shared background as a child of immigrants and independent outlook draw Norris’s attention and lead to significant personal growth for both characters.

**Liam Hooper**  
Norris’s first friend in Austin, characterized by his tall stature and thoughtful demeanor, who provides insight and support to Norris while facing his challenges with mental health and social perception.

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Field Guide to the North American Teenager

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