Rion Kwirk comes from a rather odd family. His mother named him and his sisters after her favorite constellations, and his father makes funky-flavored jelly beans for a living. One sister acts as if she's always onstage, and the other is a walking dictionary. But no one in the family is stranger than Rion's grandfather, Papa Kwirk.

He's the kind of guy who shows up on his motorcycle only on holidays, handing out crossbows and stuffed squirrels as presents. Rion has always been fascinated by Papa Kwirk, especially because his son?Rion's father?is the complete opposite. Where Dad is predictable, nerdy, and reassuringly boring, Papa Kwirk is mysterious, dangerous, and cool.

Which is why, when Rion and his family learn of Papa Kwirk's death and pile into the car to attend his funeral and pay their respects, Rion can't help but feel that that's not the end of his story. That there's so much more to Papa Kwirk to discover.

He doesn't know how right he is.

The acclaimed author of Ms. Bixby's Last Day and Posted returns with an unforgettable tale of love and laughter; of fathers and sons; and of the power and limits of family.

John David Anderson is the author of many highly acclaimed books for kids, including the New York Times Notable Book Ms. Bixby's Last Day, Posted, Granted, One Last Shot, and Stowaway. A dedicated root beer connoisseur and chocolate fiend, he lives with his wonderful wife, two frawesome kids, and clumsy cat, Smudge, in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can visit him online at johndavidanderson.org.