Johnny’s dad died in the war and he has a paper route to help his mum out. When he sees an advert in the newspaper promising the secret to instant height, he knows he needs the answer. When it turns out to be a hoax, Johnny sees an opportunity to trick others as he has been tricked. After his mum is falsely accused of murdering the local doctor, Johnny sets out to prove her innocence as well. Although a bit long, this book moves at a nice pace. English terms for things may confuse the reader.   384 pages

ISBN:  978-0385751988

Reviewed by:  Alice L. Cyphers, Librarian, Pennsylvania, USA