Tiltawhirl John

A fifteen-year-old runaway discovers that a carnival's razzle-dazzle doesn't shield it from the cruelties of life.

You have to take sides to survive - even if the choice tears you apart. His uncle wanted him to stay home and work the farm. But the boy knew there was a world out there he had to see. Yet being a runaway meant you were outside the law - fair game. That's how he got caught on the farm gang. There was no way out, until Tiltawhirl John picked him up and taught him how to be a carnie, how to stay one step ahead of the suckers. But there was one man from the past even T-John couldn't keep ahead of. How could the kid keep him from destroying his future?

Publishers Weekly

First published in 1977, this gritty novel by the author of Hatchet features a 15-year-old runaway who hooks up with a carnie. Ages 12-up. (Sept.)

Gary Paulsen is one of the most honored writers of contemporary literature for young readers. He has written more than one hundred book for adults and young readers, and is the author of three Newbery Honor titles: Dogsong, Hatchet, and The Winter Room. He divides his time among Alaska, New Mexico, Minnesota, and the Pacific.