Finding Orion

Rion has always felt that his family is strange, but even he is shocked when news of his grandfather’s death is delivered via a clown with a singing telegram. This is the first of many surprises for Rion and his food scientist father (who engineers jelly bean flavors), astronomer mother, and two sisters following the death of Papa Kwirk—a larger-than-life Vietnam vet who rode a motorcycle and had a knack for giving his grandson inappropriate gifts (slingshots, poker chips). Rion’s father, Fletcher, has never forgiven Papa Kwirk for his absent parenting and is content to bury him without resolution, but that proves impossible when they discover that the casket is empty except for one tantalizing clue: “To find me, start digging in our favorite spot.” Embarking on a treasure hunt to locate the remains of their patriarch, the Kwirks solve family history–based riddles that call into question Fletcher’s recollections of an indifferent, alcoholic father. Eccentric yet believable characters and Rion’s perceptive narration prevent Anderson’s unpredictable tale from feeling overwrought as the relationships between three generations of fathers and sons are rewritten anew. Ages 8–12. [em]Agent: Josh Adams, Adams Literary. (May) [/em]