Death by Toilet Paper

June 2, 2014
Benjamin Epstein, 12, is having an epically bad year. His father’s death left the family saddled with medical bills, his mother loses her job, and his grandfather, Zeyde Jake, arrives unexpectedly to live with them, displaying pronounced signs of Alzheimer’s. Then, the landlord posts an eviction notice on their apartment door. Benjamin, however, is a mensch, determined to keep the promise he made to his dying father that he would take care of his mother. A contest buff, he pins his hopes on winning a $10,000 prize for the best new slogan for a brand of toilet paper. This is a profoundly sad story about a boy made to carry a heavy burden that ends, mercifully, on a hopeful note. Gephart (Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen) leavens the sadness with bathroom humor, but there’s a disconnect between the lowbrow humor and the heavier elements of the plot. Still, Ben is a character kids will root for, and he’s surrounded by family and friends who help him see things will be okay, a message that may comfort readers facing similar circumstances. Ages 9–12. Agent: Tina Wexler, ICM.

June 1, 2014
After the death of his beloved father, a contest-loving seventh-grade boy and his hardworking waitress mother fight to stay financially afloat.Benjamin Epstein is still reeling from his father's death as his mother struggles to achieve her deceased husband's "Grand Plan"-becoming a licensed CPA. The finish line is in sight, but tips have been terrible, and the landlord is about to evict. Benjamin, who has grit to spare and a gift for wordplay, works diligently on what he hopes will be the winning entry in a contest sponsored by a toilet-paper company, which would give them more than enough money to tide them over. Things become complicated when his increasingly addled grandfather unexpectedly moves in, and Benjamin tangles with a bully who is after his hard-earned candy money. Although Benjamin is almost too good to be true-kindhearted, determined, smart, helpful and full of heart-it's impossible not to like him and, as the financial noose tightens, root for him like crazy. The subject matter is serious, as this family lives right on the financial edge, and the impending eviction adds suspense. Gephart's generous view of humanity's basic goodness shines through, and she leavens her characters' difficult situation with plenty of humor. Boys in particular will enjoy the toilet-paper facts that begin each chapter.Readers can't help but enjoy this heartening book about hanging in there. (Fiction. 9-12)

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June 1, 2014

Gr 5-8-Since seventh-grader Benjamin Epstein lost his father to cancer last year, things have been difficult for Ben and his mother. Medical expenses have cleaned out the family's savings, and her job as a waitress doesn't bring in enough money to cover their rent. Ben's mom has one more expensive test to take to earn her CPA license and start a new job, but in the meantime, they are facing eviction. Ben, an experienced sweepstakes enthusiast, discovers a contest sponsored by the Royal-T toilet paper company with a $10,000 grand prize, and he knows this could be the solution to his family's problems. Compounding those troubles are a bully at school and Ben's grandfather, Zeyde Jake, who has Alzheimer's and comes to live with Ben and his mom. Ben is a determined, likable character whom readers will doggedly root for, and Gephart infuses his story with humor and heart as she tenderly explores issues of grief, loss, family, and friendship. What's more, the amusing ending-featuring a zombie bride in a toilet paper wedding dress-will leave everyone satisfied. Fun facts and trivia about toilets and toilet paper appear at the start of each chapter.-Lauren Strohecker, McKinley Elementary School, Abington School District, PA

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