Me and the End of the World

Tim shudders at the newsreels and headlines that claim that the world will end on May 1, 1928. If this is true, he has only four months to confront bully Dunk Bolander, to find the courage to express his feelings to a neighbor who has been stung by anti-Semitism, to hitch onto cars while sled-riding along a new and dangerous route and, finally, to kiss Judy Felton. With the support of his family, his English teacher and his best friend, Ed, Tim is able to achieve his goals. When life goes on after May 1, Tim realizes that addressing his fears and dreams have helped him gain confidence, and that in a strange way he is ``really going to miss having the end of the world to look forward to.'' This uplifting, deftly written story is powerfully told from Tim's persective. He is a bright, perceptive protagonist whose transformation is as enticing as it is credible. Corbin's vivid details and thoughtful narrative immerse the reader in a pre-Depression America's hopes and worries. Ages 10-14. (Sept.)