The Next Great Paulie Fink by Ali Benjamin has been praised for its engaging storytelling and relatable characters, with a strong focus on themes of identity and community. However, some readers feel the narrative pace is uneven and certain subplots could be more developed. Overall, it is considered a thought-provoking and heartfelt read suitable for middle-grade audiences.

A reader who would enjoy The Next Great Paulie Fink by Ali Benjamin is likely a middle-grade student who appreciates humorous yet poignant stories about fitting in and discovering oneself. Fans of Wonder by R.J. Palacio and Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea will find similar themes of friendship, empathy, and personal growth.

The Next Great Paulie Fink by Ali Benjamin follows seventh grader Caitlyn Breen, who arrives at the Mitchell School in rural Vermont and encounters a scheme by her quirky classmates, the Originals, to find a replacement for the mysteriously vanished Paulie Fink through a game-show-style competition. As they navigate challenges, they grapple with Paulie’s legendary status and learn about identity, nonconformity, and community.

Humorous / Nostalgic / Contemplative / Emotional / Upbeat

- The Next Great Paulie Fink explores themes of identity and belonging, a hallmark of Ali Benjamin's storytelling, known also for her bestselling debut novel The Thing About Jellyfish.
- The novel combines traditional narrative with an innovative structure that includes interviews, lists, and other formats, enhancing the storytelling experience.
- Ali Benjamin, before becoming a renowned author, was a collaborator on the memoir Positive, which tells the true story of a young girl growing up with HIV.

**Caitlyn Breen**  
Caitlyn is the protagonist who navigates her new school, using storytelling and creativity to foster a sense of identity and belonging while organizing a unique competition.

**Paulie Fink**  
Paulie is an enigmatic former student known for his humor and pranks, whose absence spurs a competition to find his successor, driving the story's intrigue.

**Henry Cardinali**  
Henry is a member of the Originals who is distinguished by his respect for rules and order, yet learns the value of flexibility and teamwork in the novel.

**Gabby Amisi**  
Gabby, a close friend of Caitlyn's and an Originals member, is motivated by her family's struggles and dreams beyond her small-town life, selflessly working to help save their school.

**Fiona Fawnstock**  
Fiona is a bold and disruptive member of the Originals who challenges norms with a penchant for individuality, contributing to the team with her empowering spirit.

**Miss Magruder (Mags)**  
Mags is the humanities teacher who guides the Originals in understanding storytelling and legacy with her insightful and rebellious approach to teaching.

**Mr. Farabi**  
Mr. Farabi is the earnest science, math, and gym teacher supporting students' creativity and unconventionally fostering their learning experiences.

**Principal Alice Glebus (Glebus)**  
Principal Glebus is the stern leader of the school, whose tough demeanor belies her genuine care and efforts to prevent its closure.

Ali Benjamin

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

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The Next Great Paulie Fink Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Next Great Paulie Fink Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “A Day Without Paulie”

Prologue-Part 1

The Next Great Paulie Fink Prologue-Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “A Week Without Paulie” 

Part 2 The Next Great Paulie Fink Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “A Month Without Paulie”

Part 3 The Next Great Paulie Fink Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The Search for the Next Great Paulie Fink”

Part 4 The Next Great Paulie Fink Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “The First Great Paulie Fink”

Part 5 The Next Great Paulie Fink Part 5 Summary & Analysis

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The Next Great Paulie Fink Character Analysis

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The Next Great Paulie Fink Symbols & Motifs

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The Next Great Paulie Fink Important Quotes

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The Next Great Paulie Fink Essay Topics

The Next Great Paulie Fink

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