But to win the shirt, he’s going to have to beat Buck Pender. For a ten year old, Mickey is one fantastic pool player. It’s an awesome shirt that says Vernon’s Pool Hall Youth Tournament Champion, Cruckston New Jersey, and the winner of the tento thirteen year olds’ nine ball tournament will have the honor of wearing it. There’s only one thing in the world Mickey Vernon really wants, and it’s hanging in the window of his family’s pool hall. A fine romance with plenty of hitches.’ Kirkus Reviews ‘Bauer’s buoyant narrative will elicit chuckles as it delivers its message Thwonk! with the accuracy of a well aimed arrow from Cupid.’ Publishers Weekly ‘It’s to Bauer’s credit that this wacky ride through adolescent affairs of the heart never grows predictable… will have to decide what’s worth fighting for: Peter’s charmed love or the truth she can find through her camera lens and in herself. But magic can be unpredictable, and ultimately A.J. chooses romance despite her dream of getting into arts college. a wish in one of three categories: academics, art or romance. has two passions photography and her crush on Peter Terris, the most popular guy in school. ‘You are going to zap him with a poisoned arrow and I’m going to live happily ever after!’ I grabbed my car keys, flung on my black bomber jacket, and headed to my Volvo and destiny.’ A.J.

‘ ‘You and I are going to drive to Peter’s house,’ I shouted with ecstasy. Ellie’s perceptive, intelligent, and funny narrative keeps the story lively right up to its satisfying conclusion.’ School Library Journal, starred review ‘Fast paced and engrossing entertainment that startles the reader with its underlying strength.’ Publishers Weekly, starred review ‘Skillful plot development and strong characterization are real strengths here. But with unpredictable weather threatening Max, pumpkin thieves running rampant, and Sweet Corn Coquette contestants eyeing Wes, the pressure is great as Ellie seems ready to take on the world. With a trimmer figure, Ellie would have the courage to approach Wes, the new boy in town and former president of the Agriculture Club at Gaithersville High. Ellie could then become a famous pumpkin growing personality and squash that obnoxious Cyril Pool once and for all. With the extra weight, Max would be the shoo in champion at the Rock River Pumpkin Weigh In. Sixteen year old Ellie Morgan’s life would be almost perfect if she could just get her potentially prize winning pumpkin, Max, to put on about two hundred more pounds, and if she could lose twenty herself.

Rules of the Road by Joan Bauer