Publisher, Listening Library / Random House Audiobooks (April 2011)

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Lincoln Hoppe effortlessly captures the "tough guy with a heart of gold" tone that epitomizes Doug's emotional journey. His even pacing and matter-of-fact delivery soften the devastating revelations about Doug's abusive father, his eldest brother's war injuries, and Lil's bout with cancer. This excellent audiobook should top purchase lists in school and public libraries.—Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT / School Library Journal (starred review)

“The Dump” is what Doug Swieteck calls his new home in upstate New York. He lands there in the summer of 1968, when the Apollo space missions are under way, Joe Pepitone is slugging for the New York Yankees, and the Vietnam War is raging. At home he lives with a father who has lost his way and a brother accused of robbery. And Doug’s oldest brother is returning from Vietnam. Who knows what wounds his missions have given him?

But Doug has his own mission, too, and it begins when he first sees the plates of John James Audubon’s Birds of America at the local library. His mission will lead him to Lil Spicer, who shows him how to drink a really cold Coke, to Mrs. Windermere, who drags him to a theater opening, and to the customers of his Saturday grocery deliveries, who together will open a world as strange to him as the lunar landscape.

Swieteck, who first appeared in Gary D. Schmidt’s Newbery Honor book The Wednesday Wars, will discover the transforming power of art over disaster in a story about creativity and loss, love and recovery, and survival.

About the Author: Gary D. Schmidt has written several novels for children and young adults. He lives in Alto, Michigan.

About the Performer: Lincoln Hoppe is an accomplished actor of stage and screen with several films, plays, television shows, and numerous audiobooks. His diverse voice characterizations can be heard on animated films, video games, and commercials across the globe. He is a member of the Lost Angeles Comedy Sportz Improv Company.