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A hilarious YA novel about coming of age in the shadow of climate change, overcoming cynicism, and the power of collaboration from the award-winning author of Dragging Mason County.
Ever since the best story of his career became the worst humiliation of his life, teen reporter John O'Neil has gone rogue. He has turned his nose for news toward blackmailing those responsible, namely Lance McPhee, diabolical heir to the local country club. When John learns that the club plans to expand into a bird conservation area founded by his late grandfather, he begrudgingly joins forces with the school birdwatching club to expose the scandal. And if John ruins Lance's life along the way? He's only killing two birds with one stone.
John races against the clock in a desperate bid at environmental espionage involving forgeries, a car chase, and a high-stakes heist. But it's a race John won't win without former best friend/co-reporter Rachel Miller, who just so happens to want him dead. Can this motley crew flock together long enough for their mission to take flight?
CLIMATE FICTION WITH A CONSCIENCE: Tackles environmental activism, class divides, and community responsibility through a small-town lens, showing how collective action can counter power and privilege.
ROMANCE TAKES A BACKSEAT: A rare YA read that prioritizes friendship, group dynamics, and finding your place over romantic relationships.
GREAT FOR MALE READERS: A male-led, voicey narrative with high-concept stakes and a tightly paced plot-ideal for fans of books that are smart and entertaining.
SHARP, FUNNY, & FULL OF HEART: A high-stakes eco-heist novel packed with Curtis Campbell's signature witty dialogue and offbeat humor.
FOR THE ANGRY & HOPEFUL: Speaks to the helplessness many teens feel around climate change, but counters cynicism with humor, resilience, and the transformative power of friendship and collaboration.
SWEET SPOT READER RECOMMENDATION: 16+
FOR FANS OF: Not Here to be Liked, We Didn't Ask for This, and Dragging Mason County
LEVELING INFO: F-P Guided Code: Z - Grade Eight II. Lexile Code: 800 L
"Hilarious, hopeful, and razor-sharp, LYING, STEALING, AND OTHER WAYS TO SAVE THE PLANET poignantly shows us that the path towards positive change starts with our convictions, alongside a good group of friends. This novel reminded me that we all share a responsibility-to our planet, to one another, and, most importantly, to ourselves."
"Fighting dirty has never been so much fun. Campbell's biting and hilarious tale of eco-justice is a must-read."
"Irreverent, savvy and very timely, Curtis Campbell tackles big issues with heart and wit, backed up with solid research."
"Everyone should buy a one-way ticket to Mason County, but only if Curtis Campbell is at the wheel. The ride is nothing short of hilarious. But don't be fooled by the slapstick humor and the razor-sharp wit, Mason County is a microcosm of the bigger world: full of climate change denialists, homophobia, backstabbing friends, and snarky enemies. Campbell does not shy away from controversy and his incredibly flawed and quirky characters seek revenge for all manner of ill-conceived wrongs-but the humor, the empathy, the humanity! Sure, it will make you laugh, but mostly it will give you hope. We need more books like this in the world, so I hope Curtis Campbell never stops writing."
"Funny and fearless."
"With lacerating wit and a keen eye for the messiness of being human, Curtis Campbell has pulled off an impressive feat: a story about the ongoing horror of man-made climate change that is both galvanizing and laugh-out-loud hilarious."
"Campbell's incisive wit and knack for character is palpable on every page-a whip-smart slice of high school life with both acid dialogue and a surprisingly earnest heart!"
"This title's strong focus on queer and diverse characters tackling urgent and
Ever since the best story of his career became the worst humiliation of his life, teen reporter John O'Neil has gone rogue. He has turned his nose for news toward blackmailing those responsible, namely Lance McPhee, diabolical heir to the local country club. When John learns that the club plans to expand into a bird conservation area founded by his late grandfather, he begrudgingly joins forces with the school birdwatching club to expose the scandal. And if John ruins Lance's life along the way? He's only killing two birds with one stone.
John races against the clock in a desperate bid at environmental espionage involving forgeries, a car chase, and a high-stakes heist. But it's a race John won't win without former best friend/co-reporter Rachel Miller, who just so happens to want him dead. Can this motley crew flock together long enough for their mission to take flight?
CLIMATE FICTION WITH A CONSCIENCE: Tackles environmental activism, class divides, and community responsibility through a small-town lens, showing how collective action can counter power and privilege.
ROMANCE TAKES A BACKSEAT: A rare YA read that prioritizes friendship, group dynamics, and finding your place over romantic relationships.
GREAT FOR MALE READERS: A male-led, voicey narrative with high-concept stakes and a tightly paced plot-ideal for fans of books that are smart and entertaining.
SHARP, FUNNY, & FULL OF HEART: A high-stakes eco-heist novel packed with Curtis Campbell's signature witty dialogue and offbeat humor.
FOR THE ANGRY & HOPEFUL: Speaks to the helplessness many teens feel around climate change, but counters cynicism with humor, resilience, and the transformative power of friendship and collaboration.
SWEET SPOT READER RECOMMENDATION: 16+
FOR FANS OF: Not Here to be Liked, We Didn't Ask for This, and Dragging Mason County
LEVELING INFO: F-P Guided Code: Z - Grade Eight II. Lexile Code: 800 L
"Hilarious, hopeful, and razor-sharp, LYING, STEALING, AND OTHER WAYS TO SAVE THE PLANET poignantly shows us that the path towards positive change starts with our convictions, alongside a good group of friends. This novel reminded me that we all share a responsibility-to our planet, to one another, and, most importantly, to ourselves."
"Fighting dirty has never been so much fun. Campbell's biting and hilarious tale of eco-justice is a must-read."
"Irreverent, savvy and very timely, Curtis Campbell tackles big issues with heart and wit, backed up with solid research."
"Everyone should buy a one-way ticket to Mason County, but only if Curtis Campbell is at the wheel. The ride is nothing short of hilarious. But don't be fooled by the slapstick humor and the razor-sharp wit, Mason County is a microcosm of the bigger world: full of climate change denialists, homophobia, backstabbing friends, and snarky enemies. Campbell does not shy away from controversy and his incredibly flawed and quirky characters seek revenge for all manner of ill-conceived wrongs-but the humor, the empathy, the humanity! Sure, it will make you laugh, but mostly it will give you hope. We need more books like this in the world, so I hope Curtis Campbell never stops writing."
"Funny and fearless."
"With lacerating wit and a keen eye for the messiness of being human, Curtis Campbell has pulled off an impressive feat: a story about the ongoing horror of man-made climate change that is both galvanizing and laugh-out-loud hilarious."
"Campbell's incisive wit and knack for character is palpable on every page-a whip-smart slice of high school life with both acid dialogue and a surprisingly earnest heart!"
"This title's strong focus on queer and diverse characters tackling urgent and