Alan Cole Is Not a Coward

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.

• Sibling Rivalry: The “Cole vs. Cole” challenge forces Alan into seven impossible tasks. If he loses, his older brother Nathan will out him to the entire school.
• Unlikely Friendships: To survive the contest, Alan has to rely on new friends Zack and Madison—a loud, enthusiastic goofball and a hyper-intelligent know-it-all.
• Heartfelt Coming Out Story: A touching and funny story about navigating a secret crush on another boy while dealing with family pressure and the fear of being different.
• Laugh-Out-Loud Humor: Perfect for fans of Tim Federle, this story balances serious themes with hilarious middle school moments, quirky characters, and witty dialogue.
• Complex Family Dynamics: Alan must not only face his cruel brother but also find the strength to stand up to a demanding father who sees him as nothing more than a goldfish.