Dead End in Norvelt is a wonderful book. Jack Gantos, the author, writes a mostly fictitious story set in the small New Deal town of Norvelt Pennsylvania where he lived for the first 7 years of his life. The story begins with 12 year old Jack accidentally shooting a real bullet from a Japanese rifle that his father had brought home from the war as a souvenir. When his dad returns from his work travels and asks him to plow under his mother's corn field (which he does), his parents get so mad at him that he gets grounded for the entire summer. His only relief from reading his history books in his room or digging a "bomb shelter" for his dad is helping his elderly neighbor, Mrs. Volker, who has rheumatoid athritis, by typing the obituaries of the dying original citizens of Norvelt. This leads to all kinds of adventures and learning experiences. And the solving of two mysteries: who put the bullet in the rifle and why are all of the old lady original citizens of Novelt dropping dead like flies?
This book is humorous, heartfelt and full of real historical facts and of good old fashion values. Sometimes it feels as if the town itself is the main character. Both E. and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
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