The Most Important Thing: Stories About Sons, Fathers, and Grandfathers

Gr 3–7—In Avi's latest, seven boys tell stories about dads—dads who are absent physically, absent emotionally, too absorbed to be there in a meaningful form, there by proxy, deceased, or in need of replacement. Damon is adamant about spending more than one weekend a month at his dad's until he finds the door locked and a new woman in his father's life. Luke arrives at the family apartment to meet his dad for a camping trip only to learn he's just been killed. Part of his grief process involves figuring out what his father's ghost wants him to do. Another boy learns about his father by camping with his estranged granddad in Colorado, while Ryan goes through an elaborate interview process to be certain his mother's new boyfriend will be a suitable replacement for his late father. The pieces are strong and emotional, and they run the gamut from heart-wrenching to feel-good funny. Todd Haberkorn does an excellent job of pacing and getting the emotions just right as well as changing his voice so each boy's personality comes through.