Neal Shusterman is an award-winning author and screenwriter. He lives in Southern California with his four children."
Gr 7-10-High school freshman Antsy Bonano, who made his first appearance in The Schwa Was Here (Dutton, 2004), returns in Neal Shusterman's latest novel (Dutton, 2008). After a chance encounter, Ansty finds out that Gunnar, a fellow student, has only six months to live. Ansty decides to give Gunnar a month of his life in a gesture which ends up having far-reaching consequences. Ansty's first person point of view is very tongue-in-cheek without becoming cynical, giving him an earnestness and honesty that is refreshing. The underlying message about the value of family and the sacrifices that people make for one another is not subtle, but it is done in an appealing, humorous way. Death by runaway parade balloon, an echo-locating rival for an ex-girlfriend's affections, water-pouring shenanigans at Ansty's father's restaurant, an attractive older girlfriend, and a Grapes of Wrath dust bowl all figure into this funny, touching tale of a young man who is trying to find his way in a confusing world. Shusterman's crisp narration is delivered with great enthusiasm and a good amount of fun. A popular choice for school and public libraries.-Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.
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