A hilarious YA novel about coming of age in the shadow of climate change, overcoming cynicism, and the power of collaboration from the award-winning author of Dragging Mason County.
Ever since the best story of his career became the worst humiliation of his life, teen reporter John O'Neil has gone rogue. He has turned his nose for news toward blackmailing those responsible, namely Lance McPhee, diabolical heir to the local country club. When John learns that the club plans to expand into a bird conservation area founded by his late grandfather, he begrudgingly joins forces with the school birdwatching club to expose the scandal. And if John ruins Lance's life along the way? He's only killing two birds with one stone.
John races against the clock in a desperate bid at environmental espionage involving forgeries, a car chase, and a high-stakes heist. But it's a race John won't win without former best friend/co-reporter Rachel Miller, who just so happens to want him dead. Can this motley crew flock together long enough for their mission to take flight?
About the Author :
CURTIS CAMPBELL is an award-winning novelist and playwright. His book Dragging Mason County was a White Raven Award winner, an Ontario Library Association Best Bets Top Ten Title, a White Pine Award nominee, and shortlisted for the Jacqueline Woodson Award for LGBTQ+ Young Adult and Children's Literature. He lives in Toronto with an artist named Kevin and their dog, Pip.
Review :
“Hilarious, hopeful, and razor-sharp, LYING, STEALING, AND OTHER WAYS TO SAVE THE PLANET poignantly shows us that the path towards positive change starts with our convictions, alongside a good group of friends. This novel reminded me that we all share a responsibility—to our planet, to one another, and, most importantly, to ourselves.” —Brian Francis, author of Fruit
“Fighting dirty has never been so much fun. Campbell’s biting and hilarious tale of eco-justice is a must-read.” —Kevin Christopher Snipes, author of Don’t Let Me Go
“Irreverent, savvy and very timely, Curtis Campbell tackles big issues with heart and wit, backed up with solid research.” —Wren James, author of Green Rising, and founder of the Climate Fiction Writers League
“Everyone should buy a one-way ticket to Mason County, but only if Curtis Campbell is at the wheel. The ride is nothing short of hilarious. But don’t be fooled by the slapstick humor and the razor-sharp wit, Mason County is a microcosm of the bigger world: full of climate change denialists, homophobia, backstabbing friends, and snarky enemies. Campbell does not shy away from controversy and his incredibly flawed and quirky characters seek revenge for all manner of ill-conceived wrongs—but the humor, the empathy, the humanity! Sure, it will make you laugh, but mostly it will give you hope. We need more books like this in the world, so I hope Curtis Campbell never stops writing.” —Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock, author of The Smell of Other People’s Houses
“Funny and fearless.” —Ryan North, New York Times bestselling, Eisner Award–winning author of Danger and Other Unknown Risks and How to Take Over the World
“With lacerating wit and a keen eye for the messiness of being human, Curtis Campbell has pulled off an impressive feat: a story about the ongoing horror of man-made climate change that is both galvanizing and laugh-out-loud hilarious.” —Lance Rubin, New York Times bestselling author of 16 Forever and Crying Laughing
“This title’s strong focus on queer and diverse characters tackling urgent and ‘eternally timely’ themes of environmental activism and existential doom ensures its relevance and appeal to older teen readers.” —School Library Journal, 02/26
“A clever exploration of cynicism, camaraderie, and causes worth fighting for.”
—Kirkus Reviews, 02/16/26
“Campbell (Dragging Mason County) adds laughs via acerbic wit and rambunctious crudity throughout this unconventional heist novel.”
—Publishers Weekly, 02/12/26
