The Stand-In features Brooks, a kid from a working class family with a dead beat dad, who is desperate to get out of town and attend an Ivy league school. Having no money, he volunteers to be a stand-in for a schoolmate’s cousin who got stood up for Homecoming. He planned to do this for free, as a favor, but when he receives a $300 tip, he decides he can earn college money escorting other rich 1% girls in the area. With the potential to earn this kind of money, he’ll be able to hire a tutor to help raise his SAT scores. Columbia University might be within range, after all. His escort business booms, but to keep up the momentum, he makes some minor deceptions, and cuts a few moral corners. And then he meets the unhinged Celia, and the captivating Shelby.
The Stand-In has a young male as the protagonist, which is unusual for many YA novels., and this male POV may appeal to male students.
This fast-faced, hilarious story is a fun read.