Death by Toilet Paper - Hardcover

Gephart, Donna

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0385743998 ISBN 13: 9780385743990

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 2014

Synopsis

Fans of Louis Sachar will welcome the adventures of a contest-crazed seventh grader who uses his wits and way with words in hopes of winning a big cash prize to help his family avoid eviction.
 
Benjamin is about to lose a whole lot more than good toilet paper. If he doesn't make tons of money fast by selling candy bars and winning contests—like the Royal-T Bathroom Tissue slogan contest—his family will get kicked out of their apartment. Even with his flair for clever slogans, will Benjamin be able to win a cash prize large enough to keep a promise he made to his dad before he died? Or will he lose everything that matters to him? 
Praise for Death by Toilet Paper 
 
"Readers can't help but enjoy this heartening book about hanging in there."--Kirkus Reviews

"Ben is a character kids will root for."--Publisher's Weekly 

"Would make a fine classroom readaloud."--The Bulletin  

About this title

About the Author

As a child Donna Gephart entered every contest she could find and won everything from savings bonds for college to a check for $1.98 to tickets to a local amusement park. She lives in Florida.

From School Library Journal

Gr 5–8—Since seventh-grader Benjamin Epstein lost his father to cancer last year, things have been difficult for Ben and his mother. Medical expenses have cleaned out the family's savings, and her job as a waitress doesn't bring in enough money to cover their rent. Ben's mom has one more expensive test to take to earn her CPA license and start a new job, but in the meantime, they are facing eviction. Ben, an experienced sweepstakes enthusiast, discovers a contest sponsored by the Royal-T toilet paper company with a $10,000 grand prize, and he knows this could be the solution to his family's problems. Compounding those troubles are a bully at school and Ben's grandfather, Zeyde Jake, who has Alzheimer's and comes to live with Ben and his mom. Ben is a determined, likable character whom readers will doggedly root for, and Gephart infuses his story with humor and heart as she tenderly explores issues of grief, loss, family, and friendship. What's more, the amusing ending—featuring a zombie bride in a toilet paper wedding dress—will leave everyone satisfied. Fun facts and trivia about toilets and toilet paper appear at the start of each chapter.—Lauren Strohecker, McKinley Elementary School, Abington School District, PA

About this edition

• Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0385743998
• ISBN 13: 9780385743990
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 272