Rat Life - by Tedd Arnold (Paperback)

About the Book

Todd goes from making beds at his family's motel to working at the drive-in theater where he meets young Vietnam vet Rat. When a dead body is found in the Chemanga River, Rat seems to be a part of the puzzle.

Book Synopsis

AN EDGAR AWARD WINNER - In this coming-of-age mystery, a young man finds himself drawn into a bizarre chain of events.

"This entertaining and thoughtful account is an absorbing snapshot of early 1970s life."--Kirkus Reviews

"[A] suspenseful yarn with a dizzying climax."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

A dead body. A guy called Rat. And too many coincidences to ignore . . .

The dead body found in the Chemanga River has nothing to do with Todd. Sure, a murder is big news, but what would really interest him? A paying job. Then he meets Rat. Just a little older than Todd, Rat has already seen a lot of the world. And when he offers Todd a gig at the drive-in theater, Todd takes it. After all, it means a paycheck and free movies. But hanging out with Rat leads to a host of strange experiences and perplexing questions. More and more, that corpse from the river is on Todd's mind; and no matter how he shifts the pieces around, Rat is always part of the puzzle. . . .

Review Quotes

"Realistically and sensitively written as Todd's own manuscript, this entertaining and thoughtful account is an absorbing snapshot of early 1970s life, as well as fast-paced coming-of-age fare that should appeal to young male readers."--Kirkus Reviews"[A] suspenseful yarn with a dizzying climax."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

About the Author

Tedd Arnold is the author of such children's classics as No Jumping on the Bed! and No More Water in the Tub! He has published more than 50 books as author and illustrator. He has received The Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor for I Spy Fly Guy and has won The Edgar Award for his Young Adult Novel, Rat Life.