Downside Up
  • Published: 15 October 2016
  • ISBN: 9781770498457
  • Imprint: Tundra Books
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 272
  • RRP: $34.99

Downside Up

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A humorous and heartbreaking middle-grade novel about loss for readers of The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen and The Thing About Jellyfish.

Fred is a sixth-grader reeling from the loss of his beloved dog, Casey. Every day he walks home from school bouncing Casey's old worn-out tennis ball. One day, the ball falls down a sewer grate, and Fred can't bear to leave it down there. He pries open the grate and stumbles down. Through the sewer, Fred enters a parallel universe: Casey is alive, his mom and sister are happier, and there's a version of Fred who's happier too. Spending time with Casey, Fred feels joy for the first time since his dog's death, but he slowly realizes that the loss of Casey is masking an even greater loss: the death of Fred's father. Fred brings his sister, Izzy, to this upside-down world of lost things in the hope of finding their father and bringing him back. Can everything that is lost be found again?
  • Published: 15 October 2016
  • ISBN: 9781770498457
  • Imprint: Tundra Books
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 272
  • RRP: $34.99
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About the author

Richard Scrimger

Richard Scrimger is the award-winning author of nine novels for young readers, three picture books, and three books for adults. His works have been translated into eight languages, and have been critically acclaimed around the world. Columns detailing Richard’s adventures in parenthood have been published in The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, and Today’s Parent. His first children’s novel, The Nose from Jupiter, won the 10th Annual Mr. Christie’s Book Award. His most recent young adult novel, From Charlie’s Point of View, was a CLA Honor Book, and was chosen as one of the “Best of the Best” by the Chicago Public Library. His latest adult novel, Mystical Rose, was a Globe & Mail book of the year. He has four teenaged children, a collection of speeding tickets, and, usually, a puzzled expression.Richard Scrimger lives in Cobourg, Ontario.

Also by Richard Scrimger

Your Story Matters
Viminy Crowe's Comic Book
The Way to Schenectady
The Nose from Jupiter
Of Mice and Nutcrackers
A Nose for Adventure
Noses Are Red
See all

Praise for Downside Up

PRAISE FOR Viminy Crowe's Comic Book:

"A thrilling and imaginative reminder that adventure and magic can be found anywhere, especially where one least expects it..." - Starred Review, Kirkus

PRAISE FOR Me and Death:

"...Scrimger creates unpredictable, sad, and authentic scenes that enliven the story...Scrimger's novel is a difficult, compelling read that taps into teens' fascination with death...." - Booklist

PRAISE FOR Into the Ravine:

"Scrimger's complete control of plot and pacing, coupled with his gift for comedy, especially in the voice of Jules, hold it all together. Both funny and suspenseful, Into the Ravine is another winner from an author who knows how to appeal to young readers of both genders." - Quill & Quire

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