UPDATE: Eating two corn dogs really really fast is a bad idea for your tummy.

Also, go to http://www.clarke.public.lib.ga.us/hqdepts/childrens/books.html to see my review of Geraldine McCaughrean's The Death-Defying Pepper Roux. Short version: In his quest to avoid dying, Pepper experiences more living in a few months than most do in a lifetime. Throughout the novel, Pepper is unwaveringly kind and considerate of others. While these characteristics rarely work in Pepper's favor immediately, they do endear him to a host of characters. The novel does not gloss over some of life's more difficult aspects, but Pepper's optimistic outlook affirms life to himself and to the reader as he strives to keep his. Fans of Roald Dahl will enjoy the story and its dark humor; fans of adventure stories will enjoy Pepper's many adventures at sea and on land. I LOVED this book.