Synopses & Reviews
"A fine historical novel with lively dialogue and plenty of excitement." — KIRKUS REVIEWS (starred review)Its 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 Childrens Book of the Year
A Cooperative Childrens Book Center Choices List Selection
Five state awards or nominations
A Jefferson Cup Award Winner
About the Author
Kristine L. Franklin is the author of several novels for young readers, including ECLIPSE, NERD NO MORE, DOVE SONG, and the best-selling LONE WOLF, a SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Best Book of the Year. She says, "Cuss is a fictional boy who originated in stories my father told me about growing up in Roslyn. In doing research for this book, I discovered my own roots, and learned how much it cost my grandparents to settle here so their children and grandchildren could have what they themselves had never known - full bellies, education, and above all, the freedom to dream."