Smiles to Go - by Jerry Spinelli (Paperback)

About the Book

The author of the Newbery Medal-winning "Maniac Magee" introduces Will Tuppence, a young man whose world is suddenly tipped on its side. Will soon begins to see that the beauty and wonder of life's journey is in "not" knowing what comes next.

From the Back Cover

Ninth grader Will Tuppence is in control.

He plans everything obsessively, from the perfect stargazing night with his crush, Mi-Su, to the regular Saturday-night games of Monopoly with his friends. He's even planned his entire adulthood: career as an astronomer; mint condition, black 1985 Jaguar XJS/12; two kids. . . .

But everything changes the day Will learns one startling fact: protons--those tiny atomic particles, the building blocks to the building blocks of life--can die. The one thing that was so certain in this world to Will has an expiration date.

And Will's carefully planned-out life?

Not so certain, either.

Review Quotes

"Spinelli, the accomplished author of Maniac Magee and many other books for YAs, has a knack for creating offbeat characters readers will root for, and all the characters in this novel will win your heart. What at first seems like a love story between Will and Mi-Su turns into something different as Will realizes the depth of his feelings for his sister. A deeply affecting story." - KLIATT
"Middle school boys and girls, as well as the reluctant reader, will enjoy this fun and easy read." - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
"Spinelli employs a fresh voice and honest perspective to mine the prickly intersections of family, friendship, and growing up, with emotionally resonant results." - ALA Booklist
"Stargirl would approve." - Kirkus Reviews