Dead End in Norvelt

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Gantos, Jack (2011). Dead end in Norvelt. Farrar Straus Giroux. ISBN 9780374379933

PLOT SUMMARY

In this historical fiction novel, Jack Gantos writes the story of Jack Gantos and lives in Norvelt. His

summer fun ends when his parents send him to help their neighbor suffering from arthritis, with a

unique problem, writing obituaries. But sometimes Jack’s wild imagination gets the best of him.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Gantos’ writes this unique historical fiction novel full of rich descriptions. The descriptions are Jack’s

imagination going wild. Jack’s imagination is so vivid in this novel, sometimes it is difficult to

distinguish what is fact and fiction. This story is full of surprises and sure to make you laugh.

Gantos’ brings history to life and allows you to make connections to believe you are living in that

time period as well in these historical events.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

“A bit of autobiography works its way into all of Gantos's work, but he one-ups himself in this wildly

entertaining meld of truth and fiction by naming the main character . . . Jackie Gantos.”

Publishers Weekly, starred review

“A fast-paced and witty read.”

– School Library Journal

“There's more than laugh-out-loud gothic comedy here. This is a richly layered semi-autobiographical

tale, an ode to a time and place, to history and the power of reading.”

– The Horn Book, starred review

CONNECTIONS

“A more quietly (but still absurdly) funny and insightful account of a kid's growth, kin to Gantos's Jack

stories, that will stealthily hook even resistant readers into the lure of history.”

– Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB)

Norvelt Series, 1

I recommend this unique novel for 12 year olds and older.

AWARDS

Barb's Reads for Children Lit