“Van Draanen deftly hooks readers with her very first sentence and keeps their attention with a series of hilarious stunts right up to the shocking climax. A deceptively simple narrative, funny at the outset but realistic in its consideration of some very serious issues.”—Booklist, Starred Review
“Triumph and tragedy mix in a compelling country tale of boys being boys.”—Kirkus Reviews
“A poignant, thought-provoking novel that will strike a chord with young readers hooked by the boyish antics of the early chapters, later to be emotionally drawn to the honest portrayal of characters struggling with the consequences that follow every action.”—Midwest Book Review
