A California Book Award Winner for Juvenile Literature
Clara Wilson has a lot on her mind. Her best friend, Gerri, has started moving in circles that will never in a million years include Clara and her crooked nose. Clara's parents are fighting again, and her mom keeps talking about teaching in France. At least Clara still has Hambone, her loyal dog. And her crush on Amos McKenzie, of course.
Amos McKenzie doesn't much like home these days. His dad's corny questions are bugging him more than usual, and his mom's gone religious for no apparent reason. On top of that, he's starting to fall for a major dink, Clara Wilson. And as it turns out, he's not the only one...
The Tripp Brothers are the biggest delinquents in town. They smash mailboxes, shoplift groceries, and cruise around in their Seduck (half sedan, half truck). They've just turned their sights on Clara, and, as usual, she's home alone.
An ALA Best Book for Young Adults -- Top Ten
A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
"An engaging novel with a terrifying climax." --Horn Book
"This book has everything: likable characters, a terrific plot, and plenty of suspense." --The Philadelphia Inquirer
First published by Knopf in 1999.
Clara Wilson has a lot on her mind. Her best friend, Gerri, has started moving in circles that will never in a million years include Clara and her crooked nose. Clara's parents are fighting again, and her mom keeps talking about teaching in France. At least Clara still has Hambone, her loyal dog. And her crush on Amos McKenzie, of course.
Amos McKenzie doesn't much like home these days. His dad's corny questions are bugging him more than usual, and his mom's gone religious for no apparent reason. On top of that, he's starting to fall for a major dink, Clara Wilson. And as it turns out, he's not the only one...
The Tripp Brothers are the biggest delinquents in town. They smash mailboxes, shoplift groceries, and cruise around in their Seduck (half sedan, half truck). They've just turned their sights on Clara, and, as usual, she's home alone.
An ALA Best Book for Young Adults -- Top Ten
A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
"An engaging novel with a terrifying climax." --Horn Book
"This book has everything: likable characters, a terrific plot, and plenty of suspense." --The Philadelphia Inquirer
First published by Knopf in 1999.