About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is beginning to question authority or struggling with the pressure to fit in with a 'tough' crowd. It is a perfect choice for the winter holidays when the typical cheer feels out of sync with a child's internal mood or loneliness. The story follows eleven-year-old Eric, who is home alone for Christmas break and becomes entangled with an eerie exterminator named Anson Gabler. As Gabler pressures Eric to help him hunt a single, remarkably intelligent rat, the story shifts from a simple pest problem into a psychological thriller about conscience and empathy. Parents will appreciate how Avi explores the nuance of morality, helping children see that doing what is right often requires standing up to those in positions of power. While it has a suspenseful, almost spooky edge, it serves as a powerful mirror for kids navigating the transition from childhood obedience to personal integrity.
