title: Book or Bell?
author:  Chris Barton 
description: K-Gr 2Finding the perfect book means everything to Henry, for once he has started reading, nothing will convince him to stop"He decided to just stay put." No version of a louder bell, not even the "mega-giga-decibel monstrosity illegal in seventeen states" preferred by the state's Senator Brilliant can make him budge. Recommendations from his teacher, principal, mayor or governor are ignored, until his teacher discovers the call to his hearta personal interest that builds and then surpasses his favorite book about bicycles. Digitalized watercolor and ink art follows the mayhem as a succession of illustrations highlights the chain-reaction effects of Henry's insistence on staying put. Fantastical machines designed to get his attention perfectly match the pacing of humorous text with the "bronkitybronkitybronkity" of an increasingly louder bell. VERDICT Designed to appeal to any child dreaming of the perfect read and a bit of control over their surrounding environment, this offering features plenty of action with a satisfying ending. A suggested general purchase for all libraries.Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX
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  ![Cover for The Request](../images/9780440000914_cover.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Praise for _The Request_
  
  
  “Fast-paced and thrilling, with twists at every turn, _The Request_ kept me
  guessing until its satisfying conclusion.”
  
  
  —Catherine McKenzie, author of _I’ll Never Tell_
  
  
  “David Bell more than delivers on the shocking premise of _The Request_ ,
  which is a gripping exploration of guilt, loyalty, and desperation. [It]
  combines complex characters, social commentary, and expertly meted-out plot
  twists that will keep readers guessing—and gasping—until the final page. Bell
  is a master.”
  
  
  —Robyn Harding, international bestselling author of _The Party_
  
  
  # More praise for the work of David Bell
  
  
  “[Bell is] a bang-up storyteller, armed with enough detours and surprises to
  keep the pages turning.”
  
  
  — _The Cleveland Plain Dealer_
  
  
  “David Bell is a definite natural storyteller and a first-class writer.”
  
  
  — _Suspense Magazine_
  
  
  “Filled with twists and turns. . . . Bell is a m