Summary: Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie is a first person narrative by an 8th grader named Stephen. Stephen is a pretty typical 8th grader: he's got a crush on the cutest girl in class, finds his little brother annoying, and uses sarcasm and humor to entertain his friends. He's a fantastic drummer, but definitely wishes that he was cooler and more popular. Then, his little brother, Jeffrey, gets diagnosed with Leukemia, and Stephen has to try to hold his life together as his family seems to fall apart.

Reading level: 6th grade.

Themes: growing up/coming of age, relationships, music, middle school life, cancer, family problems.

Audience: Middle school boys really enjoy this book -- even those boys who don't usually like to read. They can relate to the tone and really identify with the character. It's a fast, engaging read for reluctant readers who like "real" characters.