The Big Nothing / Adrian Fogelin / 235 pages

Middle-schooler Justin has a lot on his plate.  He is overweight and has a bad complexion.  His father has a girlfriend in Atlanta and he and Justin's mom have just separated.  His older brother, Duane, is in training in the army and the president is about to start the war in Iraq.  His best friend, Ben, has gotten a girlfriend and Justin is often at loose ends...Oh!...and his mom has depression and his attempts to care for her are sad, but humorous.  This story is a realistic look at life among many American middle schoolers.