Sour Apples
A Novel For Those Who Hate to Read
by Paul Jantzen
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Pub Date Sep 19 2024 | Archive Date Jan 29 2026
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Description
"A realistic, visceral portrayal of a boy's coming-of-age." -Kirkus Reviews
2025 AWA Children's Book International Young Adult Winner
The year was 1975, and that summer would prove epic for Jimmy Hamilton. Imagine, an eleven-year-old boy with an imagination so powerful that he uses it like others would use a compass. Jimmy Hamilton sets out for the adventure of a lifetime. But summer, with all its promise, throws him a curveball, and he loses his fort on three separate occasions to unwanted squatters. He comes to discover each new unwelcomed tenant proves more difficult to evict than the last. His plans have a modicum of success but each comes with unintended consequences.
Add to that mix, the prettiest girl his age, a baseball diamond, a groundhog, a snapping turtle, a boy with a heightened olfactory acuity, and the town vagrant and Jimmy soon finds his summer adventure is more than he expected.
Sour Apples is a humorous young adult adventure of a clever young boy who thinks he can outwit the best of them. His riveting antics might one day make Jimmy a legend. Paul Jantzen has masterfully written his debut novel, a tale of mischief and adventure that will grab the reader from the first page.
Advance Praise
2025 PenCraft Awards Winner
2025 AWA Children's Book International Young Adult Winner
Literary Titan Gold Book Award
Readers Favorite Five Star Award
Literary Global Finalist Young Adult Fiction
Hawthorne Prize Short List
Independent Authors Network Book of The Year Award Finalist
American Writing Awards Finalist
Book Nerdection 2024 Reviewers Choice Award for Fiction
"Every boy's tale should contain adventures, romance, realism, poignancy, and humor, and Paul Jantzen's Sour Apples deliver all of these qualities." ~Book Nerdection
"Sour Apples is a delightful read that captures the essence of childhood with warmth and authenticity...This book is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy coming-of-age stories and anyone looking to relive the magical moments of their youth." ~Literary Titans
"Jantzen's brilliant storytelling, combined with rich and detailed depictions of scenes, takes your mind to the suspense and adventures that very often lead to hilarious situations." ~Readers' Favorite
"After the summer of 1975, life will never be the same for Jimmy, a small-town boy, in this YA novel... A realistic, visceral portrayal of a boy's coming-of-age." ~Kirkus Review
"Paul Jantzen's debut novel is not just a story; it's an exhilarating escapade that captures the essence of youthful curiosity and the thrill of daring exploits." ~Midwest Book Review
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