Benny's dad hoards junk in their house, an out-of-control problem that's causing his mom to leave. A few of their friends in the tiny town of Dennis Acres come up with clever plans to get Benny's house clean, which seems especially important when the U.S. Chamber of Commerce plans a visit to the small community. But nothing works, and Benny's dad just gets angrier and angrier. Benny is torn between loyalty to his dad and wanting to do what he knows is best for everybody.

Benny feels an ache for a home he hasn't yet known, and it will take an unexpected disaster to make things right.

This book takes place in 1983, and there are some funny parts when Benny's dad predicts future technologies that cause everyone to think he's crazy - technologies like a global network connecting all computers, and a pocket-sized device that works like a phone, a radio, a music player, and a worldwide bulletin board.

This is a quick and enjoyable read.

Grown-up portion of review:

I'm not putting this one in the running for the Newbery because the themes seem to get a little fragmented at times, and there are other writerly issues. The setting, for instance: the time and place specificity seemed like it was going to be an important device in the plot, but then it wasn't. Themes that were hammered home at the end felt underdeveloped until then. And I wanted just a little more delving into Benny's dad's past to create a bit more empathy for his illness. But aside from Newbery considerations, this was a perfectly good story. ( )

Benny is working through a lot his parents have just split up and he is being largely neglected at home. His dad is a hoarder and conditions in his home are deteriorating rapidly. While he has lots of adults from his small Missouri town involved in his life, seems they should have taken a more active role to care for him.
The town is awarded America's Most Charming Small Town, based on an entry that is largely fictionalized. When a tornado rips through town it is a perilous time but also a blessing in disguise.
A fun, quick read. ( )

Benny's parents are splitting up. His mom leaves home after a fight about a mysterious splinter that is supposedly part of an important relic. Benny's dad has always liked clutter, but now, he begins hoarding everything from pizza boxes to old motorcycle parts.
As his house grows more cluttered and his father grows more distant, Benny tries to sort out whether he can change anything at all. Meanwhile, a local teacher enters their quiet Missouri town in America's Most Charming Small Town contest, and the pressure is on to clean up, especially Benny's ramshackle of a house, before the out-of-town guests arrive. (from the book jacket)
My Opinion
Another Sunshine State Young Reader's Award nominee. I read this book in one day. It was interesting and easy to read. I will admit to watching the tv shows about hoarding from time to time. So, I do have an interest in this kind of situation. Mostly, I'm trying to figure out how to keep my house from becoming over-cluttered. I figured, the more I see how bad it can get, the more inspired I will be to clean up.
Anyway, about the book, Benny is a strong boy and he tries hard to help his father. But his father thinks everyone is trying to steal his "treasures". Benny feels helpless and lost
The book is set in 1983, and Benny's father has some ideas about the future that are a little ahead of his time.
"I've told you, Nola. It's coming. A giant computer network that'll link everyone in the whole wide world. Once we're all connected by computers, I'll be able to sell my collection, piece by piece, right here from the living room. I'll make money twenty-four hours a day."
Benny has people in the small town that support him and that keeps this from being too sad. Because in reality he is on his own.
Recommended to
Another good book for 4th thru 8th graders (and adults too). This one is for kids who prefer their fiction a little more realistic but still charming. ( )

Good middle school story set in the 1980's. The MC is a boy living with a father who hoards everything. Mom has had enough of this and she leaves. The setting is a very tiny Missouri town. Good characters. Well written. 2014 middle school SSYRA . ( )

My review is here... It does contain spoilers.

http://stackedshelves.blogspot.com/ ( )