Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe

Sixteen-year-old Cliff has many issues to deal with: his large size makes him a target for school bullies, he is trying to cope with his brother’s suicide, and his father is an abusive drunk. All of these events greatly affect his self-image and self-esteem but when one of the bullies – Arron, the school’s quarterback – asks for Cliff’s help on a peculiar mission, Cliff develops friendships and connections at school and learns to understand his brother’s death. This quirky, contemporary novel raises issues of bullying, domestic abuse, self-acceptance, body image, and male identity, and can be used as a classroom or reading circle novel for grades 11 and 12. Social considerations noted.