This amusing story of a boy who finds a fortune in cash tackles the moral dilemmas he faces while maintaining a gentle comic narrative. Fifth-grader Damian becomes obsessed with saints after the death of his mother. When a bag of money falls off a train near his house, he thinks it’s been sent by God. But it’s British pounds sterling, scheduled to be burnt when the UK changes its currency to Euros. Damian and his older brother have only a few weeks to dispose of the loot before it becomes worthless. Damian wants to give it to the poor in imitation of his saints, while the always mercenary Anthony intends to spend it. Clueless, debt-ridden Dad doesn’t find out about the money until just before the exchange deadline. The gentle British humor lies under the surface here, making the story a joy for readers of all ages. (Fiction. 11-14)
