Mercy on These Teenage Chimps - Paperback

On his thirteenth birthday, Ronnie woke up feeling like a chimp--all long armed, big eared, and gangly. He's been muddling through each gawky day since. Now his best friend, Joey, has turned thirteen, too--and after Joey humiliates himself in front of a cute girl, he climbs a tree and refuses to come down. So Ronnie sets out to woo the girl on Joey's behalf. After all, teenage chimps have to stick together.

Acclaimed author Gary Soto tells a fun and touching coming of age story about friendship, understanding, and the painful insecurities of being thirteen.

What happens when your best friend won't come down from a tree--and it's all up to you to save him?

• Best Friends Stick Together: Ronnie is on a mission to help his friend Joey, who has taken up residence in the neighborhood tree after a disastrous encounter with a cute girl.
• Middle School Humor: A hilarious and heartfelt look at the awkwardness of being thirteen, from feeling like a gangly chimp with long arms and big ears to navigating social disasters.
• An Awkward First Crush: When Joey is humiliated, Ronnie has to play Cupid and win over the girl on his best friend's behalf--a truly cringeworthy mission.
• A Heartwarming Read: Perfect for kids and tweens, this funny story celebrates the kind of friendship that gets you through the most embarrassing moments of growing up.