cover image Electing J.J.

Electing J.J.

James Vanoosting. Farrar Straus Giroux, $15 (171pp) ISBN 978-0-374-31999-1

Twelve-year-old Robert and William are intrigued by J.J. Ellison's boldness. He has just moved from a large city to their quiet, rural town of Framburg, Ill., and is not afraid to speak his mind. When William's family almost loses its farm because of high mortgage costs, Robert, William and J.J. decide some changes need to be made in Framburg. Mayor Rambus has run the town for years, but his integrity is questionable. The three boys learn that anyone can run for mayor, regardless of age, and they begin a campaign to elect J.J. VanOosting presents a cast of crazy caricatures in this spirited spoof of small-town life. Stodgy, stingy Mayor Rambus, the sniffling, snooping City Hall secretary Miss Honeyhorn and her deceitful supervisor Donald Dearborn are among the comical residents. Readers will find this tall tale cleverly written and highly entertaining. Ages 10-up. (June)