There’s a book I read around 5 or 6 years ago. I forgot its name but I recall it being my main fav book, like some peoples’ HP or Percy Jackson. Main character was male teenager, his name was in the title of the book but I forgot what it was. (Jeremy?). Plot involved being plunged into a strange new world and heralded as a chosen one because he was an outsider. He is searching for his father. I recall there being a scene where he is in a boat with sentient rats whom he empathizes with. I remember the author was very popular. That’s all I can remember.
Lost Classics of Teen Lit: Name That Book! 