{"product_id":"oddballs-isbn-9780140374384","title":"Oddballs","description":"The author of such reliably offbeat sf thrillers as Strange Attractors (1990) radically changes pace for ten hilarious, semi- autobiographical stories. With affection and a splendid sense of comic timing, Sleator drags forth incidents from his family closet's darkest recesses--the time young Tycho was hypnotized and then made to drink from the toilet; an indignant skit that laid bare the failings of certain parents, to their vast amusement; rough-and-tumble car games; and deliciously horrifying pranks played on unsuspecting passersby. Vivid characterizations (sister Vicky ``had always enjoyed making dolls fight with each other; when the dolls wore out, she ripped off their arms and legs. Now she is a nurse'') always balance foibles with saving graces; embarrassment is eased by laughter, while painful circumstances always come right in the end. Sleator shows how, in a loosely run household presided over by indulgent working parents, he and his three siblings developed confident, independent spirits. Though he admits to making up a few things, his dedication is telling – ``To my family: Please forgive me!''\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e– Kirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eWilliam Sleator\u003c\/b\u003e (1945–2011) was the author of numerous science fiction books for children and young adults, including \u003ci\u003eInterstellar Pig\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eHouse of Stairs\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eBlackbriar\u003c\/i\u003e.","brand":"Puffin Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46301095493861,"sku":"NP9780140374384","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/oddballs-isbn-9780140374384","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}