Although the novel isn't a challenging read, it's still deserving of its Newberry Honor badge. The side plots and twists were intriguing and flowing, especially when Roy's cunning plan to expose Mother Paula's had failed. The story organizes itself admirably, tying together plot events in a tight knot. Even Mullet Finger's conflict with his mother intertwined with Mother Paula's defeat as Lonna over glorified her son's actions for popularity. Despite the story's quality, the novel maintains a regrettably low reading level. Phrases such as "the sweet warm smell" described many scenes and most characters were stereotypical. The humor, though pleasant, was laughable for its immaturity, not wit. However, simplicity isn't enough to spoil the entire