Bubble Sheet Blues

By William Durbin

Inspired by a dead man, his 8th grade English teacher, and the school librarian, Luke Collins, gets involved in a research project which puts his reputation as a slacker at risk, draws him closer to a girl he has long admired, and to his astonishment, generates excitement that reverberates far beyond his school and community.

When Luke is assigned an I-Search paper at Palm Ridge Middle school, he tries to take the easy way out and write about a subject he's used twice before-manatees. However, his English teacher and the school librarian push him to choose a more challenging subject. When Luke reluctantly begins his research, he finds himself engaged in a sequence of events that lead him to a place he never would have imagined.

Not only does Bubble Sheet Blues take a critical look at the use of high-stakes standardized testing in schools, but it also explores a range of important themes including censorship/banned books, the effects of divorce on kids, and what makes an effective teacher (and librarian). As a bonus, the book introduces a supporting cast of colorful student characters, incompetent administrators, and a soccer coach with an affinity for philosophy. The book also includes a first for the author-a light touch of middle school romance. But the strongest element of all in Bubble Sheet Blues is its humor.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FWP9CN1S
• ISBN13: 9798999796301
• Release Date: January 2026
• Publisher: Lake Vermilion Press
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.3" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 13 to 18 years
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary