Lunar Year

What if students were tested too much? What if teachers were not paid enough? How could a clever educator use this to his advantage?

As the school year begins at St. Alban's School in England, American teacher Thomas Little's prospects look secure. He has a good job and a strong stable of students-"ponies"-for when he and his colleagues resume their little side-game of betting on exam results. Some overhead whispers are...

"Is that really a thing? I hope he didn't place those bets!"
A Student
"I can neither confirm nor deny..."
A Colleague
"What a way to supplement your income."
A Teacher

Indeed, as the year unfolds, Thomas deals with bullies and the wagering turns shady, though the stakes have never been higher: his best friend asks to take over one of his bets, a fired teacher wiggles back into the game, and the headmistress threatens the whole system, gambling on which teacher will be ousted. If Thomas loses, he'll be deported.

Lunar Year draws us inside a rarified world via the unique narrative voice of a fresh new talent.