Boom! The Story of a Dead Whale - Paperback

by Matt Jaeger (Author)

Maysprings, Oregon stinks.

And not just because twelve-year-old Norman Underwood is the new kid in town. Or because his mother makes him walk to school with kids who tease him. Or because his shoe has come untied.

This Monday morning in the fall of 1970, Maysprings literally stinks.

On his way to school, Norman cuts across a parking lot-and suddenly stops. A terrible, overpowering smell has filled the air. Following his nose, Norman discovers the source: a massive sperm whale has washed ashore on a nearby beach, and it's already beginning to rot.

The dead whale quickly becomes a big problem. The whole town is talking about it. What should they do with it? How can they get rid of the smell? And who is going to take responsibility for an 8-ton whale that nobody invited to town?

But while the grown-ups argue about the whale, something unexpected is happening to Norman.

For the first time since moving to Maysprings, Norman is making friends. He's standing up for himself. He's discovering that being the new kid doesn't mean he has to stay on the outside forever. Somehow, the stinky, stranded whale has brought Norman exactly what he needed most: a place where he might finally belong.

When the town announces a spectacular-and explosive-plan to solve its whale problem once and for all, Norman's new friendships, newfound confidence, and sense of belonging are put to the ultimate test.

Funny, quirky, and heartfelt, this middle-grade novel is a story about friendship, fitting in, finding your courage, and discovering that sometimes the strangest things can change your life.

Based on a bizarre true event that took place in Florence, Oregon, in November 1970, Boom! The Story of a Dead Whale brings an unforgettable piece of history to life through the eyes of a 12-year-old who discovers that even the biggest problems can sometimes lead to the biggest adventures.