Five-Finger Discount

by Barthe DeClements

Overview

Five-Finger Discount is the story of fifth-grader Jerry Johnson, whose father is in prison—a fact Jerry desperately wishes to keep a secret. Unfortunately slimy Edward Troller knows and threatens to tell the whole school.

Recipient of the Pen Center USA West 1989 Literary Award

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780595007806
Publisher:	iUniverse, Incorporated
Publication date:	09/20/2000
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.34(d)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

Editorial Reviews

Gr 3-6-- This novel is unlikely to achieve the popularity of other DeClements books such as Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade (Viking, 1981), but it is a credible story with enough action to keep many children reading. Fifth-grade Jerry Johnson has transferred to a new school near Seattle. His father is in prison--a fact which one unsavory fourth grader uses to try to obtain hush money. Jerry acquires an ally in the girl next door. Wanting to help his mother by obtaining an expensive pair of comfortable shoes for her to wear on her waitress job, Jerry steals the shoes, which he explains is a ``five-finger discount.'' When his father is released from prison and Jerry confesses the theft to him, they both make a wish that they will ``always be straight,'' although Jerry says, ``I wasn't sure in my heart if he could keep his. But I knew I would keep mine.'' Readers are to find out what happens to Jerry in two sequels. Well-rounded characterizations and believable dialogue, along with realistic portrayals of family relationships and friendships, elevate this above the typical problem novel. Values are presented smoothly within the context of the story. --Ronald A. Van De Voorde, Graduate Library School, University of Arizona, Tucson

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