Alan Cole Is Not a Coward

By Eric Bell

Part of the Alan Cole series

Two brothers face off in a high-stakes challenge with secrets and reputations on the line.

3.7/5 Goodreads · 1,425 ratings

288 pages· 52,932 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

$6.99Save 4%

In stock. Also at Amazon.

Bookroo's summary

Alan Cole is trapped between a cruel brother and a demanding father. When his secret crush is discovered, Alan must win a series of impossible tasks against his brother to avoid being outed. Can Alan prove he's more than just a goldfish in a high-stakes game of Cole vs. Cole? With his reputation and heart on the line, Alan must navigate middle school challenges, family dynamics, and his own identity. Will he rise to the occasion or sink under pressure? The battle for self-discovery and acceptance begins.

From the publisher

Perfect for fans of Tim Federle and Gary Schmidt, this is a hilarious and poignant tale about the trials of middle school when you’re coming of age–and coming out.Alan Cole can’t stand up to his cruel brother, Nathan. He can’t escape the wrath of his demanding father, who thinks he’s about as exceptional as a goldfish. And–scariest of all–he can’t let the cute boy across the cafeteria know he has a crush on him.But when Nathan discovers Alan’s secret, his older brother announces a high-stakes round of Cole vs. Cole. Each brother must complete seven nearly impossible tasks; whoever finishes the most wins the game. If Alan doesn’t want to be outed to all of Evergreen Middle School, he’s got to become the most well-known kid in school, get his first kiss, and stand up to Dad. Alan’s determined to prove–to Nathan, to the world, to himself–that this goldfish can learn to swim.May the best Cole win.–Leslie Connor, author of Waiting for Normal, Crunch, and All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook

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