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Rapacia: The Second Circle of Heck Dale E. Basye; illustrated by Bob Dob Hardcover | Random House Books for Young Readers | 978-0-375-84077-7 | July 2009 | $16.99 | Ages 9-12 Hardcover Library Binding | Random House Books for Young Readers | 978-0-375-94077-4 | July 2009 | $19.99 | Ages 9-12

Welcome back to Heck, where all the bad kids do go,

The afterlife is not pleasant, but instead full of woe.

Did Milton escape last book? Yes, that much is true,

Leaving Marlo behind with not so much as a ‘thank you’.

The children are greeted by Grabbit—a large metallic bunny,

But what he has to say is far from funny.

Rapacia, this evil second circle of Heck,

Was designed for the greedy children, a place to reflect.

For these lonesome losers the ultimate mall—Mallvana awaits,

Unfortunately for them, it’s only there to irritate.

For although it’s filled with desirable items galore,

The amount they can have—none—for nevermore.

A plan is soon hatched with Margo in the lead,

Two diamonds she’ll steal to satisfy the Grabbit’s greed.

But wait! Who’s that boy? Milton is back?

Suddenly Marlo’s plans are all thrown off track.

Sadly enough, this is where my tale must stop,

And you, dear reader, get thee to the nearest bookshop!

COPYRIGHT

Prepared by Brenda Day, Library Media Specialist, Aledo Middle School , Aledo , Texas

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