The Great Brain / John D. Fitzgerald / 175 pages / Vintage Children's Literature Challenge

"Nobody is plum useless."  The Great Brain, Tom D. Fitzgerald, tells Andy who has enlisted Tom's brother, J. D. , in his efforts to commit suicide.  Their various efforts are not successful - thank goodness.  Andy agrees to give Tom his Erector Set if his great brain can convince Andy's father that he is not useless.  (Andy had lost a leg to gangrene.)  Tom is successful and Andy's success surprises everyone.  J. D. tells the stories of his older brother's amazing exploits in 1896 Utah.  All males in the Fitzgerald family have had the middle name of Dennis to mark a 200 year old betrayal in Ireland.  Although the suicide section could be problematic for some, most will find the Great Brain books to be entertaining, humorous, and nostalgic.