The Roach King of Raleigh
Quill Jenkins used to have a picture-perfect family, a big house, and a best friend he could count on. After his friend moved away, his brother left for college, and his parents split because of his dad’s drinking, Quill and his mom now live in a broken-down rental whose landlord neglects the property and happens to be the father of Quill’s high school nemesis.
Determined to save for a new house despite his mom’s refusal to let him get a job, Quill finds a hidden attic inside his closet and, after overhearing a dispute at a pet store, strikes a deal to breed roaches. He reluctantly enlists classmate Harley and Harley’s twin sister Zuri to keep the business secret, while his dad’s condition worsens and neighbor Mr. Dave goes missing as the truth threatens to surface.
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Book details
- Publisher
- Blink
- Publication date
- March 24, 2026
- Print length
- 319 pages
- Language
- English
- ISBN
- 978-0310178514
Bullying
What to Know Before Reading The Roach King of Raleigh
Book focuses on Quill’s practical decision to start a secret roach-breeding business to address housing insecurity and family strain. Much of the setup centers on household disruption, a neglectful landlord who is linked to school conflict, and the uneasy alliances Quill forms with classmates Harley and Zuri. The novel emphasizes social and family issues such as poverty, addiction, and the challenges of caring for an ailing parent. This may appeal more to readers interested in realistic YA about survival, secrecy, and strained relationships.
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