The Next Great Paulie Fink by Ali Benjamin has been praised for its engaging storytelling and relatable characters, with a strong focus on themes of identity and community. However, some readers feel the narrative pace is uneven and certain subplots could be more developed. Overall, it is considered a thought-provoking and heartfelt read suitable for middle-grade audiences.

A reader who would enjoy The Next Great Paulie Fink by Ali Benjamin is likely a middle-grade student who appreciates humorous yet poignant stories about fitting in and discovering oneself. Fans of Wonder by R.J. Palacio and Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea will find similar themes of friendship, empathy, and personal growth.

The Next Great Paulie Fink by Ali Benjamin follows seventh grader Caitlyn Breen, who arrives at the Mitchell School in rural Vermont and encounters a scheme by her quirky classmates, the Originals, to find a replacement for the mysteriously vanished Paulie Fink through a game-show-style competition. As they navigate challenges, they grapple with Paulie’s legendary status and learn about identity, nonconformity, and community.

Humorous / Nostalgic / Contemplative / Emotional / Upbeat

Ali Benjamin

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Next Great Paulie Fink and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Next Great Paulie Fink Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Next Great Paulie Fink Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “A Day Without Paulie”

Prologue-Part 1

The Next Great Paulie Fink Prologue-Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “A Week Without Paulie” 

Part 2 The Next Great Paulie Fink Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “A Month Without Paulie”

Part 3 The Next Great Paulie Fink Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The Search for the Next Great Paulie Fink”

Part 4 The Next Great Paulie Fink Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “The First Great Paulie Fink”

Part 5 The Next Great Paulie Fink Part 5 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Next Great Paulie Fink Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Next Great Paulie Fink Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Next Great Paulie Fink Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Next Great Paulie Fink Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Next Great Paulie Fink Essay Topics

The Next Great Paulie Fink

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Next Great Paulie Fink?

Reading Age

Book Details