This amazing novel starts strongly with the shocking incident of thirteen-year-old Arthur Owens inexplicably throwing a brick at the Junk Man, a trash picker often seen in Arthur's Washington DC neighborhood. Such a seemingly senseless begins to make sense, as the story continues. Arthur is ordered to complete 120 hours of community service, helping James Hampton (the Junk Man) by collecting discarded light bulbs, foil, mirrors, cardboard, pieces of wood, glass bottles and coffee cans, leaving them in an old shopping cart at Mr. Hampton's garage. The boy is confused and embarrassed, but, as the tale progresses, learns that junk can make something truly beautiful.

Based on the life and work of folk artist James Hampton, this is a great read! - Louisa A.

Tommy Orange led me here; there's a chapter in There, There that talks about James Hampton, and the story fascinated me. When I saw there was a YA novel that incorporated the story, I knew I needed to read it. I added it to my "To Read" shelf at the library and completely forgot what it was about.

I think that was fortuitous, as I got hooked into Arthur's story right away. In retrospect, I have some reservations and complicated feelings about telling (at least a part of) Hampton's story through the lens of a white teenager, particularly given the criminal justice angle. Yet, I did find the story moving and gripping on its own.

I definitely want to find my straightforward works on what little is known about Hampton, but the novel is well done overall and, I think, depicts Hampton himself as a complex, nuanced character, if not as complex as he certainly seems to have been in real life.

I wasn't sure about this one at first, but ended up really enjoying it! It would be a great novel to teach symbolism, though I worry the era may be lost on the majority of my students. Definitely a great story to teach friendship that comes from the most unlikely places. Have already recommended it to my 6th graders and a few have picked it up and enjoyed it!

Oh my gosh! This book is not what I expected! It is really interesting and I did not want to stop reading this book! Honestly I recommend this book to EVERYONE!

Highly original. Well thought out and clearly a labor of love. This book is something else. It really takes the time to humanize a character who comes from the "wrong" sort of parents and has committed a crime.

Really engaging novel about a young man paying a hefty price for one moment of bad judgment but he is saved from jail time by the man he victimized. They begin a complex relationship that challenged and saves this young man from wasting his life like the boy's father died. A really good coming of age novel about finding your identity and learning about acceptance.

Love historical fiction. This YA book is great for all ages. A 7th grade boy throws a brick at “The Junk Man” and then winds up working off his 120 hours of probation hours for the same man. A story about forgiveness, working off your debts, and friendship.

very good read!

Novel about second chances, importance of trusting others, believing in your self written for middle school students. Dealing with death and proving others wrong about who you are, usually are not dealt with in such an open uncomplicated manner. Highly recommend this book to middle school students as well as teachers as a possible read aloud.

So many important topics and themes captured in this quick-read fascinating story (which is based on a true story.) I really struggled with the way Arthur was treated by others--especially school administration--after he made a poor choice. Lots to discuss and think about here.

-Mental illness
-Redemption
-Death
-Life transitions
-Overcoming
-Reputation
-Reconciliation
-Art

The author's note at the end left me wanting to learn more!