In this humorous, middle‑school novel, friendships old and new are tested by prejudice — and bug eating.

When Will’s best friend calls the Hispanic new kid a racist name, Will distracts from the situation by eating a stink bug. His act boosts his popularity and cracks up his schoolmates, who invent meals for him like “maggot-aroni” and “French flies.” Will learns that eating bugs for food is called entomophagy and decides to create a class project on grasshoppers. But has he bitten off more than he can chew?

His endeavor leads to an examination of his own stereotyping beliefs, loyalty and the true meaning of friendship. “Boy Bites Bug” comes in hardcover and e-book versions, and is available at independent bookstores or through online booksellers.

Author Rebecca Petruck is a Blue Ridge Energy member and lives in Creston. To learn more about her, visit rebeccapetruck.com.