Books and Reading

In his new school, eighth grader Travis hides the fact that he can't read but his secret is discovered by mouthy Velveeta and a perceptive and sympathetic teacher who sets him on the road to literacy with a Kjelgaard book. Everyone has secrets in this moving story: Travis's grandfather doesn't tell him what happened to his dog; Velveeta won't reveal where she actually lives. References and parallels to THE BOOK THIEF abound, and Travis's pejorative nickname comes from the Dr. Seuss book. This is a book about reading both for those who struggle and those who love it. Ten to fourteen.