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Swear to Howdy Wendelin Van Draanen Hardcover | Knopf Books for Young Readers | 0-375-82505-3 | October 2003 | $15.95 | Ages 10 and up

Have you ever moved to a new town or a new neighborhood and didn't know a soul? Remember the fear in your gut that no one would like you and you'd never have a friend? Russell is no different, but when he moves in next door to Joey, they quickly become true friends, swearing to keep each other's secrets, no matter the cost. They do everything together: swim in the river, catch the biggest frog ever, conspire against their older sisters, shoot Joey's 22 rifle, and even sneak out of the house. Joey always has a bright idea and Russell is ready to help him in whatever plan he cooks up. So when Joey decides to keep the legend of the Ghost of Lost River alive by dropping a “ghost” out of the trees in front of passing cars, Russell goes along even though he doesn't think it's such a grand idea. Russell's intuition proves to be right and the turn of events and secrets between them almost costs the boys their friendship.

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Prepared by Susan Geye, Library Media Specialist, Crowley Ninth Grade Campus, Crowley, TX

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