Dump Days

J.D. and Duke have just finished sixth grade and have the entire summer before them to conjure up ways to earn enough money to finance their Perfect Day, which is plotted out in detail: they begin with zeppolis in the morning, more zeppolis in the evening, and Italian ices, video games and comic-book buying wedged in-between). They soak up their West End neighborhood offerings, from rat hunting at the local dump to dealing with prejudice against a talented Vietnamese girl who plays the violin, to standing up to the local bully. Spinelli spins a story that weaves together the shared conversations and small-town adventures of a friendship based on trust, humor, compassion and imagination. Ages 8-12. (May)