The Seventh most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall

 

"Mr Hampton has made it clear to me that he is not interested in retribution, but in redemption."

Arthur's dad has died. His dad was not perfect. His dad was a wild character who often drank too much but Arthur's dad was deeply loved and so Arthur's grief is very deep. Everything boils over when Arthur sees a local homeless man wearing his dad's old cap. Arthur reaches for a brick and hurls it at the man.

In the court, after three weeks in juvenile detention, Arthur's life changes. He discovers the name of the man he attacked and he is told he will need to complete 120 hours of probationary service working for the old Junk Man.

"According to what I've read about your case, I understand you attacked a man named James Hampton in a vicious and unprovoked manner on November eighth. Is that correct, Mr Owens?' Arthur blinked, momentarily confused by the name. James Hampton? Who was James Hampton? ... Arthur tried not to look surprised by the fact that the man had a real name."

Arthur acknowledges his guilt. Doing 120 hours of work for Mr Hampton will certainly be much better than the alternate possibility of spending more time in 'juvie'. When he finally locates the address supplied by his probation officer - Officer Wanda Billie - he finds a mysterious list. Mr Hampton is not there but the instructions are clear. Arthur as to find:

• lightbulbs
• foil
• mirrors
• pieces of wood
• glass bottles
• coffee cans
• cardboard

Why does the old man want these things? Can Arthur skip some things on the list? Can he substitute other things? And how does all this link with the word redemption?

This book is brilliant.  It is one of those reading experiences where I want to stand on a mountain and shout out to all young readers aged 10+ to find this book, grab it with both hands and read it now! This book was published in 2016 but I am happy to see it is still in print. 

A vibrant piece of historical fiction based on a true story, this novel will be welcomed by teachers and youth alike. Waking Brain Cells

Luminescent, just like the artwork it celebrates. Kirkus star review

Read about the real James Hampton (1909-1964) and his astonishing art which is display at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington DC. 

"(It is) made from discarded materials and found objects such as old furniture, cardboard cutouts, and light bulbs. All were scavenged from secondhand shops, the streets, or the federal office buildings in which Hampton worked as a janitor. To complete each element, Hampton used shimmering metallic foils and brilliant purple paper to evoke spiritual awe and splendor."

Here is an audio sample from page 23 onwards. Here are some ideas for using this book with a group such as a book club. Even though this is clearly a book with an American setting I am certain it will be enjoyed by readers in Australia. Read more about Shelley Pearsall here. 

I would pair this book with:

Night Bus Hero

I am now keen to read a new title from Shelley Pearsall: