KristineL Franklin

A fine historical novel with lively dialogue and plenty of excitement. -- KIRKUS REVIEWS (starred review) It's 1925 in multi-ethnic Roslyn, Washington, where twelve-year-old Cuss is able to swear in fourteen languages. Unlike his brothers, who left school to work in the coal mines, Cuss likes reading as much as goofing with friends. But when bootleggers force his brothers to skip town, he is forced to choose between his personal dreams and his family responsibilities. A Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year A Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices List Selection Five state awards or nominations A Jefferson Cup Award Winner