Four Miles to Pinecone

by Jon Hassler

It’s a young adult novel written by one of my favorite authors, Jon Hassler! Published in 1977, FMTP is an innocent novel for young adults. Very innocent.

The action begins when school ends. Tom Barry is faced with a failing grade from his English teacher. He is offered a chance at redemption: he is assigned to write a story during summer vacation. Can he do it?

Well, the story he is assigned to write actually writes itself, as Tom witnesses two crimes and experiences betrayal from unexpected sources. Tom is a good young man from Saint Paul. Obviously, he will do the right thing, and all will end well.

Nice, quick, and very old-fashioned.

5/14/11