The Death-Defying Pepper Roux - Tapa dura

"[T]horoughly entertaining. It's McCaughrean's way with language that establish[es] this picaresque tale as the latest evidence that she is one of the more remarkable novelists writing for children today."--The Horn Book

"The Death-Defying Pepper Roux is a thoughtful novel and an entertaining adventure story. McCaughrean once again proves that she is a talented writer with the ability to weave truly enchanting metaphors."--Assembly on Literature for Adolescents

"[A] laugh-out-loud funny, picaresque adventure. McCaughrean's frequently over-the-top metaphors mirror the delightfully implausible plot. [A] poignant, odd, wonderfully composed and vastly entertaining novel."--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Exuberant prose and whirling humor animate an unforgettable cast of characters. A more whimsical, French cousin to Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book (2008), with a similar timelessly classic feel."--Booklist (starred review)

"Creating vivid characters is just one of McCaughrean's gifts. Readers will root for Pepper to get the ending he deserves--a happy one."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"A charming tale. Pepper will capture readers' hearts, and Duchesse may be the most hilarious yet wise character in children's literature this decade. This novel will be savored."--School Library Journal (starred review)

Approaching his 14th birthday, a day on which he is scheduled to die, Pepper Roux embarks on a rollicking journey to escape his fate and meets a series of outrageous new friends and enemies. By the Printz Medal-winning author of White Darkness. 20,000 first printing.