Jack Gantos, a young boy who is always truthful and respectable, has fired a bullet from his father's Japanese sniper. He is currently 'grounded for life' (except when he has to run up to Miss Volker's house to help her write her obituaries).

It seems that his life is going to end early. He has been indirectly assured of this point by the Hell's Angels who have 'cursed' his town to dance to death. Even the old ladies are dying faster than they should be. So what is happening in the town? Is it the angels' curse or natural causes?

Jack has many distractions that make him too restless to stay in his room. His father's J-3 is one of them. His friend Bunny's prompts to sneak out are another.

There are a lot of interesting events taking place in the little town of Norvelt. They are all rib-splitting, and if you do not want to split your spine, I suggest you staple your mouth together.

Jack Gantos, who has many award-winning books to his name, definitely needs a huge round of applause for this book. I think that every child will be able to relate to Jack's character.

This book will interest children from the ages of 9- 13. I think this book is a must read for any children whose lives are built around their summer vacations.

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