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The Seventh Most Important Thing
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Format: Paperback / softback
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The Seventh Most Important Thing
$2799
Unit price
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Unavailable
Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Ideal for children and young readers who enjoy heartfelt stories about personal growth, family struggles, and the transformative power of art. Suitable for classroom reading and fans of heartfelt middle-grade fiction.
"In 1963, thirteen-year-old Arthur is sentenced to community service helping the neighborhood Junk Man after he throws a brick at the old man's head in a moment of rage, but the junk he collects might be more important than he suspects. Inspired by the work of American folk artist James Hampton"--
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
Now in paperback, Shelley Pearsall's moving story of a grieving boy's crime and his hard-won redemption.
This "luminescent" (Kirkus Reviews) story of anger and art, loss and redemption will appeal to fans of Lisa Graff's Lost in the Sun and Vince Vawter's Paperboy.
NOMINATED FOR 16 STATE AWARDS!
AN ALA NOTABLE BOOK
AN ILA TEACHERS CHOICE
A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
Arthur T. Owens grabbed a brick and hurled it at the trash picker. Arthur had his reasons, and the brick hit the Junk Man in the arm, not the head. But none of that matters to the judge—he is ready to send Arthur to juvie forever. Amazingly, it's the Junk Man himself who offers an alternative: 120 hours of community service... working for him.
Arthur is given a rickety shopping cart and a list of the Seven Most Important Things: glass bottles, foil, cardboard, pieces of wood, lightbulbs, coffee cans, and mirrors. He can't believe it—is he really supposed to rummage through people's trash? But it isn't long before Arthur realizes there's more to the Junk Man than meets the eye, and the "trash" he's collecting is being transformed into something more precious than anyone could imagine...
Inspired by the work of folk artist James Hampton, Shelley Pearsall has crafted an affecting and redemptive novel about discovering what shines within us all, even when life seems full of darkness.
"A moving exploration of how there is often so much more than meets the eye." - Booklist, starred review
"There are so many things to love about this book. Remarkable." - The Christian Science Monitor
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Critically acclaimed and nominated for 16 state awards, this book is praised for its luminescent storytelling and authentic characters (Kirkus Reviews, starred). School Library Journal calls it excellent, while Booklist describes it as a moving exploration of perception and hope. The Christian Science Monitor labels it remarkable, highlighting its emotional depth and inspirational message.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780553497311
Publisher: Random House USA Inc
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 04 October 2016
Country: United States
Imprint: Random House Books for Young Readers
Audience: Children
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 17.0mm
Width: 133.0mm
Height: 194.0mm
Weight: 198g
Pages: 288
About the Author
A former teacher and museum historian, Shelley Pearsall is now a full-time author. Her first novel, Trouble Don't Last, won the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction. The idea for The Seventh Most Important Thing began many years ago when she first saw outsider artist James Hampton's amazing work. She was disappointed that so little is known about Hampton and was intrigued that his work was brought to light by anonymous sources. It was the perfect foundation for this remarkable, inspiring novel. To learn more about the author and her work, visit ShelleyPearsall.com and follow her at @ShelleyPearsall.
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