Deer Valley High School science teacher Jeff Adkins has recently published his first novel, “The Boy Who Skipped,” a semi-autobiographical account of his years growing up in Eastern Kentucky. It’s the story of an underdog fighting impossible odds and a coming-of-age love story peppered with anecdotes about growing up as a geek in a small town.

Set in 1970s Appalachia, “The Boy Who Skipped” illustrates what it’s like to grow up academically gifted in a time and a place where finding something as simple as a map of the sky was a challenge. Among the story’s highlights are a leaking pipe that provides cover for an escape plan, what happens when you fire a rocket at your classmates, and why being an unconditional friend can have life-transforming consequences.

Adkins credits his high school drama teacher with cultivating in him the life skills of hard work, appreciation of criticism and a belief that with enough effort, nearly any challenge can be overcome.

“The Boy Who Skipped” is available from www.lulu.com, a print-on-demand publisher. Paperback and hardback editions are available starting at $23.99. Shipping is free during the summer. To order the book, visit www.lulu.com/spotlight/astronomyteacher.

For more information about “The Boy Who Skipped,” e-mail Adkins at astronomyteacher@mac.com.