Mulligan, Andy

Mature readers who can discuss and deconstruct the awkward use of cultural stereotypes and fans of "A Series of Unfortunate Events" (HarperCollins) looking for a deeper dive into humorous noir can turn to this boarding school farce set in the British countryside.

Black comedy with a creative hook, surely, but too unfocused and drawn out for most middle schoolers to bother getting through.

Gr 7—10—Three young teens, trash-picker living in the city dump of an unnamed third-world country, discover a mysterious bag one morning, triggering a chain of events that will change their lives forever...