Full of Beans

Gr 4–6—Beans Curry has adults all figured out. They're nothing but liars—from Winky, who reneges on paying Beans full price for cans, to his own Poppy, who is currently out of work. It may be the middle of the Great Depression, and he may have to drag his younger brother around with him, but Beans is determined to make money. He and his gang are the best marble players in town, so how hard can it be to figure out a steady source of income? Beans is a likable protagonist, and the historical details put the reader in the middle of the action. The lack of consequences for some of Bean's actions may not ring true for some listeners, but otherwise this is excellent historical fiction. Holm reads the author's note, and there are a couple of fun lists at the end. Kirby Heyborne brings Key West and its quirky characters to life with his narration. He captures Bean's highs and lows, bringing the reader directly into the story.