24 Hours in Nowhere

Description: Bright 13-year-old Gus dreams of escaping Nowhere, Arizona, where he's tormented by bully Bo Taylor. When Bo tries to force Gus to eat a spiny cactus, Rossi Scott, one of the best racers in Nowhere, rescues him by relinquishing her prized dirt bike. Gus agrees to do anything to get it back--even if it means going into a deadly mine to hunt for gold. 7/8.

Review Quotes: Praise for 24 Hours in Nowhere:

"Readers who loved Holes and Dusti Bowling's earlier novel, Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, will be delighted with 24 Hours in Nowhere, a similarly captivating novel abounding in wordplay, eccentric personalities and an evocative setting." --Shelf Awareness, Starred review

"A blend of taut suspense and laugh-out-loud humor from Bowling . . . proves a winning combination in this 24-hour escapade . . . With playful elements reminiscent of Richard Peck, this slightly larger-than-life adventure offers plentiful surprises and a lovable antihero." --Publishers Weekly, Starred review

"The ragtag band of misfits . . . calls to mind the gang from The Goonies, and their underground escapades vacillate among genuinely creepy, hilarious, and thrilling. . . . Sure to resonate with any kid who's felt misplaced in their inherited surroundings." --Booklist

" . . . fast-paced and filled with adventure, excitement and humor. . . . This is a perfect pick for young readers who love a well-developed story with twists and turns all the way to the very end." --Bookpage