Scotty and the Gypsy Bandit

By David Winkler

McStew (a.k.a. the Gypsy Bandit) is one strange next-door neighbor. It isn't unusual for eleven-year-old Scotty Hansen to find McStew outside burying household appliances with his invisible sidekick named Reese, or plotting ways to vanquish the evil pirate Blackheart. And when Scotty decides to build the tree house his father had planned before his death, McStew, who has an abusive home life, sees it as an opportunity to move in. But soon McStew vanishes altogether, and though he's physically not there anymore, his oddball influence over the lives of Scotty, Scotty's mother, and a number of other people grows stronger than ever. There's romance, a murder, mystery, and plenty of aggravation in store for Scotty in his previously uncomplicated world, and readers will find themselves drawn into it by a fast-paced plot and characters who are smart, funny, and full of heart.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0374364206
• ISBN13: 9780374364205
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
• Length: 198 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.8" x 5.8"
• Age Range: 10 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 5 and higher

Customer Reviews

Scotty and the Gypsy Bandit ROCKED! You have to read it!

This was a GREAT book! I would really recommend it to any body who likes Mysteries and exciting books because this definately is one of them! It has many sad, funny, exciting, even wierd. This book definatly keeps you on your toes! I never once got bored!

Scotty and the Gypsy Bandit is EXCELLENT!

Scotty and the Gypsy Bandit was so good. I've read and enjoyed all the Louis Sachar books and all of the Harry Potter series that is published, and I loved David Winkler's book, too. I liked the part when Scotty woke up, saw his mother in hair curlers and a facial masque, and replied, "Take me to your leader." The book is funny, exciting, sad, and heartwarming. It's never boring. It is an excellent book!

wanalee@aol.com

I think Mr. Winkler's book is well written. And if you'rereading this Mr. Winkler keep up the great teaching. You just getpulled into this book and you can feel the pain and happiness of the characters. Keep writing Mr. Winkler! END