Mason Buttle is a genuine, lovable, earnest (sweaty) character. In this book for MG readers, Connor captures the voice of a boy who struggles with things. Mason is the biggest, sweatiest kid in his grade. He is a slow processor and his learning disabilities cause his words to get stuck; thoughts are not easy nor always coherent and things get muddled. This makes him an easy target for neighborhood bullies. His best friend Benny has died and the local sheriff is sure that Mason has more information about the events leading up to Benny’s death than he has admitted. Mason is just feeling grief and confusion and frustration at not being able to give the sheriff the information he so clearly thinks Mason has. Mason makes a new friend, Calvin, and what a character! The tiny, brainy foil to Mason, the two are an unlikely but understandable and delightful duo. When Calvin goes missing, all of the angst and heartache about Benny comes back to Mason, but this time, he is going to get it right and save Calvin. The mystery surrounding Benny’s death is a bit predictable, but as you discover it along with Mason, it works especially since the truth of the situation clicks with Mason as he tells his own story into the recording device given to him by the school guidance counselor. He finally realizes how powerful his own story is. This story of loss and redemption and of the giant, sweet boy with the perpetually sweaty face who finally learns how smart he really is will stick with you long after you close the book.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth