SKU: 81074708006

Control freaks

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Description

Control freaksA People Magazine Must Read of Summer NOW IN PAPERBACK! One week. One prize. Seven really weird challenges. The kids at Benjamin Banneker College Prep are a little competitive. Okay. They're a LOT competitive. The minute Principal Yee announces an epic competition for the golden B B trophy, seventh grader Frederick Douglass Zezzmer knows he has to win. But it won't be easy. The competition doesn't just include science, technology, engineering, and

A People Magazine Must-Read of Summer -- NOW IN PAPERBACK!

One week. One prize. Seven really weird challenges.

The kids at Benjamin Banneker College Prep are a little... competitive. Okay. They're a LOT competitive.

The minute Principal Yee announces an epic competition for the golden B-B trophy, seventh-grader Frederick Douglass Zezzmer knows he has to win.

But it won't be easy. The competition doesn't just include science, technology, engineering, and math. It also has arts and sports. Not Doug's best subjects.

Even worse, it's a TEAM competition. Instead of being in a superstar group, Doug gets paired with four middle school misfits no one else wants.

Worst of all, Doug's dad has a horrible backup plan. If Doug doesn't win, he has to forget about becoming the World's Greatest Inventor and spend the summer in sports camp, with his scary stepbrother.

With only a week to go, Doug launches a quest to turn his team of outcasts into winners... and maybe even friends.

W I N N E R

- Best of the Best, Black Caucus of the American Library Association

P R A I S E

★ "Thomas strews the increasingly suspenseful competition with teachable moments and traces learning curves not only for the students but for teachers and parents, too. Reminiscent of E. L. Konigsburg's TheView from Saturday."
--Booklist (starred)

"Creative and hilarious...the novel's narration shifts among many perspectives, giving a rich, panoramic view of how stressful yet ultimately rewarding these learning experiences are for the overachievers, the socially awkward, the kids with complicated home lives, and all those who just need to see each other a little differently."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Witty competition drama... a telling that prioritizes characters' interiority as well as their impact on each other's lives. While Doug's determined voice is the primary focus, the rotating narratives showcase each of the racially diverse characters' individual stressors, delivering a well-rounded accounting that is better for its multiplicity."
--Publishers Weekly

"Thomas's debut novel is a refreshing take on middle-school life--smart kids who know they are going places but learn to take care of one another along the way."
--Horn Book

"Thomas uses wacky humor to deliver a light but laudable message about teamwork and friendship being more important than placing first."
--School Library Journal

"Being a middle school kid is... Complicated. And author J.E. Thomas knows how to show readers just how much is going on in a tween's world, in a fun and engaging way. Rich characters, realistic portrayal

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SKU: 81074708006

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4.3 ★★★★★
Based on 7 reviews
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Product Reviews
A
Verified Purchase
Amazon_Customer
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 5
The "Lazy Professional" Look: Is Hands-Free Luxury Actually Real?
Size: 9.5, Color: Black Napa Leather
Living down here in Florida, my footwear needs are pretty specific. It’s hot, it’s humid, and I spent half my life rushing from the car into work or a meeting. I’ve reached that age where I value efficiency just as much as style—maybe more. I’ve been eyeing the Marc Joseph New York Hands-Free Slip-on Penny Loafers for a while, and after putting them through the wringer, here is the honest truth from someone who just wants to look sharp without the hassle. The "Just Step-In" Reality Look, the big selling point here is the "Hands-Free" tech. We’ve all seen the commercials for those athletic slip-ins, but finding that in a legitimate leather penny loafer is a different game. Does it work? Yes, surprisingly well. The heel counter is firm enough that it doesn’t collapse when you slide your foot in, but it doesn’t feel like a piece of plastic digging into your Achilles once you’re in. For those of us who are tired of bending over or hunting for a shoehorn every morning, this is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade. The Florida Factor: Comfort and Style The leather is actual calfskin (on most models), which is a must for the Florida heat. Synthetic shoes turn into a sauna within ten minutes, but these breathe reasonably well. The aesthetic is classic—it’s a "professor" shoe through and through. You can wear them with chinos and a blazer for work or throw them on with some nice jeans for a weekend lunch. Inside, they’ve got a gel heel insert and a padded footbed. It’s not quite "walking on a cloud"—let’s not over-hype it—but it’s a massive step up from the hard, flat soles of traditional dress loafers. I’ve spent four hours on my feet lecturing, and my arches didn’t hate me by the end of the day. The Sizing Gamble Here’s where you need to be careful. The consensus from other guys (and my own experience) is that the sizing is a bit of a coin toss. They tend to run a little large and sometimes wide. If you have narrow feet, you might find the sides "gaping" or flaring out when you walk, which kills the sleek look. I’d recommend ordering a half-size down if you’re usually between sizes. The Breakdown The Pros: True Hands-Free: You can actually put these on while holding a coffee and a briefcase. No hands needed. Legit Materials: The calf leather feels premium and smells like the real deal. Versatility: Perfectly bridges the gap between a "car shoe" and a formal loafer. Comfort: The gel insert makes a noticeable difference for long-duration wear. The Cons: Sizing Inconsistency: They can run wide, leading to some "heel slip" if you don't get the perfect fit. Break-in Period: The heel is stiff by design (to allow for the slip-on feature), so expect a day or two of minor stiffness. Price Point: They aren't cheap, though often on sale. Value for Money Are they worth it? If you’re comparing them to high-end Italian brands that cost $500, these are an absolute steal. They look 90% as good for a fraction of the price. However, if you're used to $60 mall shoes, the jump to $150+ might feel steep until you realize you’re paying for the convenience of never having to touch your shoes to put them on. For a daily driver in a professional setting, the value is definitely there.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2026
E
Verified Purchase
Edward A. Cleveland
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
Step In Look Good
Size: 11.5, Color: Cognac Napa Leather
I am wearing these shoes as I write this review, and they look and feel great. I have a bit of a disability with drop foot on the right leg and bilateral neuropathy and have been wearing step in shoes for about 10 years. But the first company that introduced leather dress and casual shoes stopped making them and now only makes sport and casual shoes. So I have been searching for some that meet my need for shoes like this and this company has given me three pairs, so far. Easy to get into, comfortable to wear, and good looking. And they take polish very well, too. (Remember how to do that?). We may buy another pair or two in different styles as well.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2026
B
Verified Purchase
Book dude
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 4
Runs tight. Skinny and smaller than other brands.
Size: 8.5, Color: Brown
Comfy and lots of support. Cushiony. Beware: the brown I ordered runs small. Tighter than other brands.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2026
L
Verified Purchase
LATASHA JORDAN
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Nice
Size: 9, Color: Black
Very comfortable. Worth the money
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2026
Y
Verified Purchase
YWC
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 1
Leather peels right off
Size: 8, Color: Black
Very poor quality - shoes are ruined after a couple months
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2026

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