Poverty and promise are at the core of this novel set in the Pacific Northwest in 1925. Twelve-year-old Slava Petrovich knows how to cuss in every language he hears in Roslyn, Washington, where immigrants have settled from all over Europe. And while his “gift” has come in handy in the schoolyard, Slava hopes his talent for languages and learning will take him far. Slava loves school, and he can’t envision a life working in the coal mines like most of the men—and many of the older boys—in his town. But Slava’s older brothers must leave town because of their connection to the accidental death of a gang member involved in bootlegging. Without their financial support, Slava, his mother, and younger brother can barely get by. Slava’s dreams of staying in school begin to fade, until the intervention of a priest with a gift for delivering charity hand-in-hand with dignity. Kristin Franklin based this novel in part on her own Croatian American family history. Her richly detailed writing creates a vivid portrait of an immigrant family where old country traditions are honored but also adapted to meet unexpected challenges and changes. (Ages 10–14)

With refreshing honesty, heart, and humor - and a compelling young narrator - the author of the award-winning LONE WOLF takes readers back to 1925, and a place where a boy must become a man all too soon.


It’s 1925 in multiethnic Roslyn, Washington, and twelve-year-old Slava has earned the nickname "Cuss" because he can swear in fourteen languages. In fact, Cuss loves languages, period: unlike his older brothers, who left school after sixth grade to work in the coal mines, he likes reading about as much as he likes goofing around with his friends - or planning the great grape heist of Roslyn. But when bootleggers stir up trouble and force his big brothers to skip town, Cuss feels the weight of family responsibility dropping onto his shoulders. How can he hold on to his dream to stay in school - and still do the honorable thing by his ma and little brother?