Death by Toilet Paper by Donna Gephart - - ESSENTIAL

Gephart, Donna Death by Toilet Paper, 260 pgs. Random House Children’s Books, 2014. $16.99. 

Language: G (0 swears) Violence: PG; Mature Content: G. 

7th grader Ben hopes to win a sweepstakes or at least a grand prize.  He needs to do something to help, because, since his dad died things have not been going well at home; money is tight and they are behind with the rent.   He’s the Sultan of Sweepstakes, the Wizard of Winning, the Guru of giveaways, but mostly all he gets are coupons for free toilet paper, sandwiches and a years supply of oatmeal.  But with an eviction notice on their door, and his grandpa suddenly moving in, Ben has to keep a promise he made his dad.  

This is a great story; funny, sad, suspenseful, a must read for the middle school.  Well written and a definite page turner.  I enjoyed the bits of toilet trivia which will surely attract the boy readers but girls will love it, too.

MS ESSENTIAL - - Lisa Librarian