What do various items signed by Joe Pepitone, the Vietnam war, paintings of birds, and a really cold bottle of Coke have to do with each other? Not much, aside from the fact that when combined, they result in one amazing book.

I don't know of any other author who can make an ordinary boy's ordinary life so incredibly interesting. I guess it just goes to show you that Robert Liparulo isn't the only one who can keep you up late at night needing to read just one more page.

Aside from the pacing and readability, the character development and Schmidt's usual literary genius are just added bonuses. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if this book earns Gary D. Schmidt his third Newbery Honor, or even the Medal itself.