(Paperback)

Inspired by the author's own childhood growing up in 1960's Queens, this remarkably powerful story is sure to have readers laughing and crying right along with these flawed but unforgettable characters.

(Hardback)

In 1970 Queens, New York, Julian Twerski, now in seventh grade, struggles to write an essay as punishment for an act he did not commit, worries about Beverly, the girl he likes, prepares for his bar mitzvah, and tries to cope with the serious illness of one of his closest friends, Quentin.