Charming as a Verb

Seventeen-year-old Haitian American Henri is juggling a lot in his senior year: navigating life as a poor student at a private arts school in Manhattan filled with wealthy kids, managing his dog walking business, living up to his family’s expectations, trying to get accepted at Columbia University, and striking a mutually beneficial deal with a girl at his school that leads to a romantic relationship. Regrettably, Henri makes some unethical decisions that lead to serious consequences. This humorous, engaging novel with complex characters facing relatable obstacles examines family, identity, diversity, and mortality. Suitable for literature circles or independent novel study.