Exploits of a Reluctant (But Extremely Goodlooking) Hero by Maureen Fergus

I read this book with my teeth gritted at times...which probably means it will be popular with 8th grade boys.  The 13-year-old "hero" of the title is rude, oblivious to the feelings of others,  inappropriate in his references to sex, and clueless in how he comes across to adults.  Fortunately, this is all pretty hilarious if you can stick with the story.  In any case, just when I'd thrown the book across the room a third time, I began to see that there was hope for this kid.  He begins to see his father in new light even as he falls into a community fight between business owners and a mission soup kitchen where he reluctantly volunteers.  The resolution works...and even if this will never be my favorite book, I did laugh out loud a few times.