When Ratboy Lived Next Door

by Chris Woodworth

From the spring day in 1962 when Willis Merrill and his pet raccoon arrive in Maywood, Indiana, they are nothing but trouble for Lydia Carson. Lydia nicknames Willis "Ratboy" and wonders why he can't be more like his handsome older brother, Elliot. Life gets more complicated when Lydia alienates Elliot by insulting Willis and comes to a standoff with her mother. In her struggle to make amends with all, Lydia finds an ally in Willis and discovers the good in herself. In her sharp, fresh voice, the author captures the flavor of a small town in Middle America and the hearts of its populace as she tells a powerful story about the resiliency - and flexibility -of family.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0374346771
• ISBN13: 9780374346775
• Release Date: March 2005
• Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

When Ratboy Lived Next Door

this is a very good book i read when i was in the reading bowl. im surprised so little people have read this book:) good romance and sweet plot.

I fell in love with Woodworth's characters

I loved being a fly on the wall in Woodworth's town of Maywood, watching its delightful cast of characters go about their daily lives. Although I'm an adult, I fell in love with the characters in the book, and wish Woodworth would write a sequel (hint! hint!) This book takes place in a laid-back small town, but it is by no means slow-paced. The characters spring to life from the beginning. Lydia, the main character, is a spunky girl coming of age and really truly growing up (maturing). Actually, all of the characters are vivid, and I particularly loved the strong female characters, like Lydia's grandma (who is such a fireball!). The ending was so satisfying--except that it ended.

I couldn't put this one down!

I originally bought this for my daughter and ended up hiding it from her until I was done - which wasn't long since I couldn't put it down! Woodworth's sharp wit and ability to transfer the reader into a 1962 small town in Indiana make it hard to believe this is the author's first published work. I look forward to her next book and highly recommend this one!

Woodworth's first is AMAZING!

Excellent book. I couldn't put it down. Lydia is a great character who I believe people can relate to in some shape or form. I want more. Woodworth's first? I hope it's not the last. BANG! BANG!