Boys in the Back Row

This chapter book follows best friends Matt and Eric as they plan one last epic adventure before Eric moves: sneaking away from a marching band competition at an amusement park to attend a nearby comics convention. Without phones, transportation, or permission, their hilarious hijinks unfold, but at its heart, the story is a tender celebration of male friendship, loyalty, and support. It gently explores the sadness of a friend moving away while emphasizing the joy and resilience found in shared experiences and strong bonds. Perfect for ages 7-11, it's an engaging read for kids who love humor, comics, and stories about navigating big feelings with friends.

Best friends Matt and Eric are hatching a plan for one big final adventure together before Eric moves away: during the marching band competition at a Giant Amusement Park, they will sneak away to a nearby comics convention and meet their idol—a famous comic creator. Without cell phones. Or transportation. Or permission. Of course, their final adventure together is more than just that—really, it's a way for the boys to celebrate their friendship, and their honest love and support for one another. That's exactly what we love so much about The Boys in the Back Row: it's an unabashed ode to male friendship, because love between boys, platonic or otherwise, is something to celebrate. And of course, because this is Mike Jung, we'll be celebrating it with hilariously flawed hijinks and geekiness galore!