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Macaroni Boy
Macaroni Boy.jpg
Yearling Books edition cover.
Author Katherine Ayres
Country United States
Language English
Genre Historical Fiction
Publisher Yearling Books
Publication date
2004
Media type Print Paperback
Pages 192 pp
ISBN 0-440-41884-4
OCLC 49799270

Macaroni Boy is an exciting children's historical novel written by American author Katherine Ayres. It was published in 2004. This book takes readers back in time to a challenging period in American history.

The story is set in 1933 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This was during the Great Depression, a time when many people faced tough economic challenges. The novel follows the adventures of a sixth-grader named Mike Costa.

What is Macaroni Boy About?

Mike Costa comes from a large Italian-American family. They own a food warehouse in Pittsburgh's busy Strip District. Life is not always easy for Mike. A school bully often picks on him, calling him "Macaroni Boy."

Mike's Important Job

Mike has a special job at his family's warehouse. He is the "rat killer," responsible for setting traps. But something strange starts to happen. Mike notices he is catching fewer rats than usual. This seems odd, and it makes him curious.

A Growing Mystery

As Mike investigates, he starts to see a connection. The rats are not just disappearing; they seem to be dying. Even more concerning, Mike's grandfather also becomes very ill. Mike wonders if these two things are related.

Solving the Puzzle

With the help of his best friend, Joseph, Mike decides to solve this big mystery. They work together to uncover what is causing the rats to die and why Mike's grandfather is sick. Their journey leads them to an important discovery about their community.

About the Author

Katherine Ayres is an American writer known for her children's books. She often writes stories that explore history and important social topics. Her books help young readers learn about different times and places.

Why Read Macaroni Boy?

Macaroni Boy is a great book for young readers who enjoy mysteries and historical fiction. It teaches about the Great Depression in a way that is easy to understand. The story also shows the importance of family, friendship, and solving problems. It's a tale of courage and discovery during a difficult time.

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