Sidney Offit

Homer Fink could speak Latin and Greek or chart the orbit of the planet Jupiter, but when it came to tying his shoelaces or knotting his tie Homer was helpless. The Adventures of Homer Fink is a story of youth’s first awareness of power and philosophy and love. It is peopled with characters as real as your next-door neighbours and yet uniquely extraordinary. Above all, this is a tale full of humour and affection and the wonder of growing up.

In this slim, elegant memoir, Sidney Offit -- novelist, teacher, and curator of one of the nation's most prestigious journalism awards -- explores with warmth and humor, the complexities of this extraordinary father-son relationship. As moving as it is unique, "Memoir of the Bookie's Son" is a family portrait that will make you think, make you laugh, make you cry.

One dog, one turtle, one rabbit and one frog become invisible right out there in the middle of the baseball field during the most important game of the season. Joe is the boy who wants to help his great, aging idol, Soupbone McDexter. Christopher provides the means with a chemistry set. An ingenious story, fast paced and witty, certain to provide light and happy reading for young readers.