With surprises at every turn (and more than a few outright gasps!) this sly, edgy comedy follows one boy's attempt to survive the world's wackiest summer job. Jack's plans for summertime excitement are shot down when he is "grounded for life" by his feuding parents. The good news is, once his mom loans him out to a feisty old neighbor to help with an unusual chore — typing obituaries — one thing leads to another and Jack is launched on a strange adventure involving molten wax, Eleanor Roosevelt, twisted promises, a homemade airplane, Girl Scout cookies, a dancing plague, voices from the past, the Hells Angels...and possibly even murder. 2012 Newbery Medal Winner
