The Best Man

By: Richard Peck

Narrated by: Michael Crouch

Newbery Medalist Richard Peck tells a story of small-town life, gay marriage, and everyday heroes in this novel for fans of Gary Schmidt and Jack Gantos.

Archer Magill has spent a lively five years of grade school with one eye out in search of grown-up role models. Three of the best are his grandpa, the great architect; his dad, the great vintage car customizer,; and his uncle Paul, who is just plain great. These are the three he wants to be. Along the way he finds a fourth—Mr. McLeod, a teacher. In fact, the first male teacher in the history of the school.

But now here comes middle school and puberty. Change. Archer wonders how much change has to happen before his voice does. He doesn't see too far ahead, so every day or so a startling revelation breaks over him. Then a really big one when he's the best man at the wedding of two of his role models. But that gets ahead of the story.

In pages that ripple with laughter, there's a teardrop here and there. And more than a few insights about the bewildering world of adults, made by a boy on his way to being the best man he can be.

Critic reviews

Praise for The Best Man

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Honor
New York Times Notable Children's Book
Entertainment Weekly Best Middle Grade Books of 2016
Horn Book Fanfare
School Library Journal Best Books of 2016
Kirkus Best Books of 2016
Booklist Best Books of 2016
Chicago Public Library Best Books of 2016


“Peck is at heart a gentle realist, a keen observer of family dynamics who uses the soft power of understated emotion to tack social issues. His latest middle grade novel, The Best Man is . . . a reminder that no matter your gender or sexuality, love is love is love.”—The New York Times Book Review

“A puberty-stricken middle schooler learns about sexuality, gay marriage, and the various different ways to be a man when two of his beloved male role models get hitched in Peck’s wonderful, important book.”—Entertainment Weekly

* "A nostalgic slice of Rockwell Americana with a contemporary filling. Delicious—take a bite."—Kirkus, starred review

* "An indelible portrait of what it looks like to grow up in an age of viral videos and media frenzies, undergirded by the same powerful sense of family that characterizes so much of Peck's work."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Rise and toast The Best Man. . . . We're not done needing books like this. Comic, easy to read, swiftly paced, and matter-of-fact, Peck's latest steps out to lead the way."—Horn Book, starred review

* "A witty, engaging novel from a master storyteller."—Booklist, starred review

* “The Newbery Award–winning [Richard Peck] explores what it means to love and what it means to be a man. A modern, funny, and realistic tale featuring strong, nuanced, and unforgettable characters. . . . Essential.”—School Library Journal, starred review

Relationship OVER Orientation

The relationship the main character has with his uncle goes beyond the uncle's orientation. He learns respect, trust, and confidence from him, as well as how to be there when it counts. I hope my daughter has the same relationship with her Guncle as she grows up!

Loved it. Great Story and Narration

What did you love best about The Best Man?

It was good ole homespun fabulousness and a great story. Very funny and a truly moving ending thathad me wiping away a tear.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Archer Magill. With a name like that, he was born to be a star! And he is.

What about Michael Crouch’s performance did you like?

Mr. Crouch truly embodies the characters he voices--in this case, a (younger) teenage boy--with such aplomb and conviction that you cannot help but be charmed by him and his performance. I've listened to a lot of his books and this is one of his finest. I laughed and cried, not just because of the source material, but because of his performance.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Idols Come In All Forms, Many Unexpected.

Any additional comments?

Can we just admit to ourselves that Michael Crouch should be narrating all of our lives?

A great listen for the whole family!

We listened to this as a family on a road trip. Our 9 and 11 year olds loved it and the topics of transition and identity made for great discussion starters.

Refreshing story!

What a refreshing story and a great perspective to hear it from. A sad when the book was finally over.

Great story

It’s a wonderful story but I wish it wasn’t so practical. But I think it is a great coming of age story.

Great Book to share

We had three generations reading this book. My 11 YO granddaughter has read it 5 times and listened to it with me twice

It just provides so much to talk about. We loved it!

Sweet story

I chose this book because I like Michael Crouch as a narrator and I’m glad I did! It was such a sweet and funny story told from a unique perspective.

Great story

Once again Michael Crouch brings a great story to life. I cared for all the characters and wanted to be another Uncle in the family.

No way

This book was my favorite bluebonnet book. Bluebonnet is where we read 20 books and compete on questions against other schools. So this book is my favorite of all twenty!

The Best Story

The Best Man is a sweet modern version of Happily Ever After! Michael Crouch's skillful heart felt rendering of the wonderful Archer and his world made me care about this unique cast of characters. The story is funny and sad and needs to be told.