The Death-Defying Pepper Roux

Gr 6—9—When Paul "Pepper" Roux wakes up on his 14th birthday, he knows one thing: today, he is supposed to die. His entire life has been spent preparing for the death foretold by his Aunt Mireille, but it looks like he might find a way to sidestep fate. He will simply slip into another life. Posing as a ship's captain gets him away from home, and in his travels he becomes a deli meat-slicer, a reporter, and a legionnaire, among other unlikely careers. He shifts from one identity to another, finding that people see what they expect to see. Pepper's innocence and good nature will charm listeners, even as his good intentions bring the wrath of the police, gangsters, and the Foreign Legion down on him in a hilariously messy climax. British actor Anton Lesser provides fantastic narration of Geraldine McCaughrean's tale (HarperCollins, 2010), set in France, giving the characters distinct voices and bringing them to life while complementing the classic, lyrical feel of the text. Filled with humor and hope, this is a winner.—Beth Gallego, Los Angeles Public Library, CA