The Best Man

By Richard Peck

A boy navigates change, role models, and a surprising wedding in small-town life.

3.9/5 Goodreads · 4,812 ratings

256 pages· 39,141 words· Est. 5 hour read-aloud

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Bookroo's summary

Archer Magill seeks role models in his small town, finding inspiration in his grandpa, dad, uncle, and a groundbreaking teacher. As he enters middle school, Archer faces the challenges of growing up, including a life-changing revelation when he becomes the best man at a wedding that defies expectations. Amid laughter and tears, Archer learns about the complexities of adulthood and what it means to be the best man he can be. Will he find his own path in a world full of surprises?

From the publisher

Newbery Medalist Richard Peck tells a story of small-town life, gay marriage, and everyday heroes in this novel for fans of Gary Schmidt and Jack Gantos. Archer Magill has spent a lively five years of grade school with one eye out in search of grown-up role models. Three of the best are his grandpa, the great architect; his dad, the great vintage car customizer,; and his uncle Paul, who is just plain great. These are the three he wants to be. Along the way he finds a fourth—Mr. McLeod, a teacher. In fact, the first male teacher in the history of the school. But now here comes middle school and puberty. Change. Archer wonders how much change has to happen before his voice does. He doesn’t see too far ahead, so every day or so a startling revelation breaks over him. Then a really big one when he’s the best man at the wedding of two of his role models. But that gets ahead of the story. In pages that ripple with laughter, there’s a teardrop here and there. And more than a few insights about the bewildering world of adults, made by a boy on his way to being the best man he can be.