by Jack Gantos
Flap Copy description:
Melding the entirely true and the wildly fictional Dead End in Norvelt is a novel about an incredible two months for a kid named Jack Gantos, whose plans for vacation excitement are shot down when he is "grounded for life" by his feuding parents, and whose nose spews bad blood at every little shock he gets. But plenty of excitement (and shocks) are coming Jack's way once his mother loans him out to help a feisty old neighbor with an unusual chore - typewriting obituaries filled with stories about the people who founded his utopian town. As one obituary leads to another, Jack is launched on a strange adventure involving molten wax, Eleanor Roosevelt, twisted promises, a homemade airplane, Girl Scout cookies, a man on a trike, a dancing plague, voices from the past, Hells Angels...and possibly murder.
My thoughts:
This year's Newbery Medal Award winner is today's featured book -
Dead End in Norvelt, by Jack Gantos. Rarely do I laugh out loud while reading a book; I have never laughed so hard I cried while reading a book...until now! The quirky, surprising, dry wit of the author will take you on the comical literary ride of your life. While this MG novel is hilarious - it would be easy to miss the amazing character development, great setting descriptions, and perfect pace.
Mr. Gantos wonderfully wove into the story historical events and famous figures which added a rich tapestry to his novel. Obviously, all this did not go unnoticed by the Newbery Committee! I would highly recommend Dead End in Norvelt to readers from the ages of eight to eighty!
To check out this amazing author - click here: http://www.jackgantos.com/
