The Qwikpick Papers: Poop Fountain by Tom Angleberger

When Dave, Lyle and Marilla discover that they all have nothing to do on Christmas day they decide to find an adventure.  After much research and debate, they decide to go and see the soon to be torn down  "poop fountain" at the town's waste processing plant.  As they set out on their quest they get more adventure than they bargained for during an afternoon none of them will ever forget. Angleberger is a master at portraying junior high personalities and relationships.  The situations the kids get into are believable and very funny. I kept thinking, "I can totally see a bunch of 12-year-olds doing this."  This book was actually written before the Origami Yoda series (but recently republished with new formatting), and it was interesting to see some of the themes and techniques that would later make the OY a smash hit. This is a good choice for reluctant reader boys and girls. (134 p)