The Trouble in Me

In The Trouble in Me, Jack Gantos narrates a transformative two-week period in his life as a fourteen-year-old, exploring his descent into rebellion and risky choices. Set against the backdrop of Fort Lauderdale, the story begins with Jack's captivating encounter with his older neighbor Gary Pagoda, recently released from juvie. Eager to embrace a new identity, Jack finds himself drawn into a whirlwind of outrageous and perilous experiences. However, as he seeks to emulate Gary, he discovers that he's not as prepared for the consequences of his actions as he believed.