2. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Geoff Herbach
• Young Adult Fiction
• Radio comedy shows
• Tours rock clubs telling weird stories
• Teaches Creative Writing at Minnesota State,
Mankato.
• 2 Children: Leo and Mira, Wife: Steph
3. ABOUT THE BOOK
• Part of a Trilogy: Stupid Fast, Nothing Special, I’m with
Stupid
• Reading Level: Young Adult
• Published June 1, 2011
• Published by Sourcebooks Fire
• According to Herbauch, “It’s about a boy. It’s about sports.
It’s about being a serious dork. It’s about a paper route. It’s
about bullying and the opposite. It’s about a girl. It’s about hair
growth. It’s about a little brother. It’s about piano. It’s about a
depressed mother. It’s about learning to be who you are. It’s
about not hiding.”
4. SUMMARY
Felton, the protagonist of Stupid Fast, struggles with
his dorky awkwardness throughout his schooling
years. Suddenly, he finds himself hitting a growth-spurt
and growing taller and taller. One day in gym class, he
shows his speed and his newfound athletic prowess.
He is recruited to run track and play football where he
meets a new group of friends. Throughout the
novel, Felton must find his new place in the social
hierarchy of high school all while juggling his
depressed mother, nerdy younger brother, and his new
love interest. It’s a story of angst, coming of age, and
perseverance.
5. CHARACTERS
Felton Reinstein
• 15 years old
• Dorky, but funny
• He had never been athletic, but hits a growth-
spurt and suddenly discovers that he is
fast….stupid fast.
• He struggles with himself, problems with his
family, and his first love.
6. CHARACTERS
Aleah
• Felton’s love interest
• Intelligent
• Creative
• Plays piano
• Pushes Felton to think deeper into issues and
opens his eyes
9. CONFLICT
Man vs. Self: Felton’s struggle to find who he
is
Man vs. Man: Felton’s struggle with his
friends, old and new, his family, etc.
Felton struggles to find his place in high
school. He must juggle his athletics, his
family problems, his social life, and his love
life.
10. REVIEW
This book is the perfect combination of
adolescence and adulthood. Although the
story lulls at times, Felton is both
interesting and likeable. The reader also
becomes attached to the minor characters,
especially Felton’s brother, Andrew.
Though the story has some mild language,
it is necessary to capture Felton’s angst
and newfound maturity. The plot is both
believable and relatable, especially for
teenage boys.
