The Last Newspaper Boy in America - Softcover

Corbett, Sue

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0142416967 ISBN 13: 9780142416969

Publisher: Puffin Books, 2010

Synopsis

Wil David canÕt wait to take over his brotherÕs paper route. For years it has been tradition in his family to hand over the route to the next boy in line on his twelfth birthdayÑand Wil is just about to turn twelve and get his chance to put his sidearm throw into action. But when the newspaper company cancels delivery to WilÕs small town, itÕs up to him to fight to save the route. Along the way, he unravels a carnival mystery, exposes a con artist, rescues his little town, and becomes a true hero.

About this title

About the Author:

Sue Corbett is the daughter of Irish immigrants and grew up in a Long Island neighborhood very similar to the one depicted in 12 Again. Ms. Corbett has worked as a journalist for fifteen years in Missouri, South Carolina, Florida and, now, Virginia, where she lives with her husband and their three young children. As anyone who knows her will tell you, she really is half-Looney. However, she has only been twelve once. (So far.)

From School Library Journal:

Grade 4–7—The David family has delivered the Cooper County Caller to residents of Steele, PA, for as long as anyone can remember. Wil's 12th birthday signals that he will take over for his older brother, and he's been practicing his tosses from his bike. When the circulation manager phones the day before his start date to inform him that the Caller has decided to discontinue home delivery, Wil is devastated. The more he thinks about it, the madder he gets: folks in his rural community rely on that paper for important news and employment opportunities. Many are jobless since the factory shut down, and TV reception is iffy with no cable service. Putting his stubborn streak to good use, Wil goes up against the big corporation that bought the paper. Chapter titles resembling newspaper headlines foreshadow what is to come. Like the author's Free Baseball (2006) and 12 Again (2002, both Dutton), this novel has a likable protagonist, engaging secondary characters, realistic dialogue, and a fast-moving plot that both seasoned and reluctant readers will enjoy. While Michael Winerip's "Adam Canfield" titles (Candlewick) focus on the inside workings of newspaper production, Corbett offers a timely look at how increased dependence on electronic news sources is impacting small newspapers and their audiences. Youngsters who have grown up surrounded by cable television and online news will have much to ponder after they have turned the final pages of this thought-provoking story.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA END

About this edition

• Publisher: Puffin Books
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0142416967
• ISBN 13: 9780142416969
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208