Crunch

By the award-winning author of Waiting for Normal and All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook, Leslie Connor. Muliple award winner: Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book * Smithsonian Magazine Notable Book for Children * Cooperative Children's Book Center Choice

Crunch asks: What might happen if the earth's supply of gas runs out? It's a perfect classroom read to spark discussions about energy conservation and the future of our planet.

Dewey Marriss is stuck in a crunch. He never guessed that the gas pumps would run dry the same week he promised to manage the family's bicycle-repair business. Suddenly everyone needs a bike. And nobody wants to wait.

Meanwhile, the crunch has stranded Dewey's parents far up north. It's up to Dewey and his older sister, Lil, to look after their younger siblings and run the bike shop all on their own. To top things off, Dewey discovers that bike parts are missing from the shop. He's sure he knows who's responsible—or does he? Will exposing the thief only make more trouble for Dewey and his siblings?

“Charming and original.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

• Kids Running a Business: With his parents stranded, 14-year-old Dewey Marriss takes charge of the family bike shop, turning pedal power into their only hope.
• A Sibling Story: Dewey, his older sister Lil, and thirteen-year-old Vince must band together to care for their five-year-old twin siblings, Angus and Eva, proving family is everything.
• A Middle Grade Mystery: As if things weren't tough enough, bike parts are vanishing from the shop. Dewey is sure he knows the thief, but exposing them could create even bigger problems.
• Problem Solving and STEM: A timely story about resourcefulness, responsibility, and what happens when the gas runs out, making it a perfect read for discussions on energy and conservation.