Richard Scrimger Books

In the tar-melting heat of a suburban summer, everyboy Jules, athletic and handsome Chris, and oddball Corey (he laughs at gravel and anticipates zombie attacks) have lived side by side for most of their lives. Behind their backyards is a ravine through which flows a modest river. This familiar territory is by turns comforting and terrifying.When a tornado brings down a big maple tree, the boys make a raft of the branches and set off downstream. After all, at thirteen they are old enough to take a day trip by themselves. On their way, the boys meet with a series of adventures that are funny at first glance but resonate deeply. They rescue a diabolical dog, confront a hydrophobic gang, and survive a waterfall. They are bombarded by bicycles, hoodwinked by hobos, and bewitched by bikinis. By accident, they crash a funeral, and, by design, they crash a pool party — with tragic results.Urban blight and rural beauty, Into the Ravine is a journey where the geography mirrors the contradictions of the human heart. Renowned author Richard Scrimger draws on his powerful ability to tell a story that can truly make you laugh until you cry.

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?

Norbert, a clever alien from Jupiter, faces a crisis when his beloved Nerissa is kidnapped by a giant and imprisoned in the Lost Tower of Lotubmen. To rescue her, he enlists the help of Alan, a boy from Earth who has previously adventured with Norbert. As they embark on this quest together, Alan discovers a bizarre yet oddly familiar world on Jupiter, filled with challenges that test their friendship and courage.

Set against the backdrop of a family road trip to New England, twelve-year-old Jane Peeler navigates the chaos of travel with her younger brothers and a grumpy grandmother. The journey takes an unexpected turn when they meet Marty, a kind but destitute old man in need of assistance to reach his brother's funeral. Jane faces a dilemma: helping a stranger while balancing her family's dynamics and the challenges of the trip. This story explores themes of kindness, family bonds, and the moral choices that arise in unexpected situations.

Nominated for the 2004/2005 Red Cedar Book Awards, this fiction piece captivates young readers with its engaging narrative and relatable characters. The story explores themes of friendship, adventure, and self-discovery, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a meaningful read. Its recognition highlights its appeal and impact within the realm of children's literature, encouraging discussions among young audiences.

The story follows Alan on his first airplane journey to New York, where he expects to spend quality time with his father. However, complications arise when his father fails to show up, and he encounters a difficult seatmate, Frieda, who faces a kidnapping attempt. As chaos unfolds, an abandoned dog named Sally and the alien Norbert reappear, adding to the adventure. Together, they navigate the challenges of being lost in New York City while evading danger, showcasing themes of friendship and unexpected alliances.

In a blend of humor and chaos, Jane Peeler takes charge of her class's production of The Nutcracker during the winter holiday pageant. As she attempts to direct the play, unexpected challenges arise, including conflicts with a gym teacher, budding romances among the cast, and family troubles at home. With her father ill and the reappearance of her cantankerous grandmother as a reluctant babysitter, Jane's life becomes a whirlwind of drama that parallels the unfolding story on stage.

Exploring the humorous and relatable struggle of communication, the narrative delves into the challenges of expressing oneself when body language, particularly through the nose, speaks volumes. It highlights the awkwardness of social interactions and the often unspoken nuances that accompany them, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences with nonverbal cues and the complexities of conversation. Through witty observations, the book encourages embracing individuality and the quirks that come with it.

Exploring the afterlife through the eyes of a fourteen-year-old boy, this story blends humor and bleakness as Jim navigates a surreal realm populated by vivid characters like angry Slayers and tearful Mourners. After a fatal accident, he gains insight into mortality and faces challenges from both the afterworld and his troubled life, including a neighborhood bully and a disturbing sister. The narrative combines elements of adventure and introspection, offering a unique perspective on life, death, and the struggles that define us.