Art of Raising Hell, The

WINNER OF THE BEST YOUNG ADULT NOVEL FROM BEST INDIE BOOK AWARDS. “There are some people that walk around on two feet and others like me that run on all four.” The Art of Raising Hell is a compelling, coming-of-age story that reminds its audience of the difference between chasing life and just living. It captures the essence of being young, green around the gills and always ready to seek out the next adventure, while learning some hard lessons along the way. Newbie Johnson has recently moved to Bunsen Creek, Illinois, when his mother is killed in a tragic car crash. His father does his best to maintain a normal household, but his broken heart is just not up to the task. Newbie finds solace by hanging out with his three buddies in their clandestine Backroom hideout and meeting the love of his life, Sally Nack. Getting into mischief becomes their favorite pastime as they try to follow in the footsteps of Sally’s older brother, Lonny, who has perfected the art of running on all four. Lonny fears no one, including The Law, and soon takes his peculiar sense of justice, along with his love of practical jokes, to new heights while entertaining the colorful characters of Kickapoo County. “Running on all four” takes on a new meaning for Newbie when he finds his inner voice and has to make some serious choices before he can get on with his life and discover who he really is.