The Seventh Most Important Thing

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough HS/Scarborough MS, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2015

Review

The book begins soon after Arthur unexpectedly and violently throws a brick at the head of the Junk Man. Fortunately, the brick hits the Junk Man's arm and Arthur is offered community service with the Junk Man instead of jail time. Arthur spends his Saturday's collecting the "seven most important things," including light bulbs, cardboard, and tin foil for the Junk Man. In performing his community service, Arthur works through some of his issues surrounding his father's death. This is an excellent story with a very satisfying ending that was inspired by the life of the folk artist James Hampton.

CREAM OF THE CROP

Overall Book Score: excellent