Winger (novel)

Winger is a young adult novel written by Andrew Smith, published in 2013. The story follows Ryan Dean West, a fourteen-year-old junior at Pine Mountain, a boarding school for boys. Ryan Dean is a somewhat awkward, insightful, and artistic character who finds himself in a difficult position, being two years younger than most of his classmates.

The novel explores themes of friendship, sexuality, identity, bullying, and the complexities of growing up. Ryan Dean navigates the challenges of being a scholarship student among wealthier peers, dealing with unrequited love, and trying to find his place in the school's social hierarchy, particularly within the context of the rugby team.

Winger is notable for its blend of humor, often stemming from Ryan Dean's internal monologue and observations, and more serious and emotionally resonant plot points. The novel utilizes Ryan Dean's artwork, primarily in the form of comic book illustrations, to provide further insight into his thoughts and feelings. The narrative structure is unconventional, incorporating these illustrations and occasional stream-of-consciousness passages.

The book is followed by two sequels, Grasshopper Jungle (though only tangentially related through the author) and Stand-Off.