(LS 5653) The Death Defying Pepper Roux by Geraldine McCaughrean

a. Bibliographic data
McCaughrean, Geraldine. 2010. THE DEATH DEFYING PEPPER ROUX. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 0061836656

b. Brief plot summary
Paul “Pepper” Roux wakes up on his fourteenth birthday, sure of one thing: today he will die. From the day he was born, Pepper has been waiting for his aunt’s dream, the dream where Saint Constance told his aunt that he would not live past his fourteenth birthday. Trying to outrun fate, Pepper boards his father’s ship and begins a fantastic journey full of secret identities, humor, and lies. Through each new identity Pepper tries his best to be good and treat others kindly, which always leads to chaos and ends with Pepper shifting into a new name, occupation and home. Throughout the story Pepper makes new friends, acquires a handful of enemies, is always on the lookout for the angels who is he sure are chasing him. Most importantly, he learns what it means to be the death-defying Pepper Roux.

c. Critical analysis
While the story is far-fetched, young readers will enjoy this fast paced adventure nonetheless. Set in France, The Death Defying Pepper Roux shares many cultural markers with the reading audience. Readers will enjoy the sailing vocabulary that is present throughout the story and will be captivated by the unique cast of characters, none more than the story’s protagonist, Pepper Roux. Pepper is portrayed as a unique, fourteen year old boy who has a wild imagination and deep seated conscious, characteristics normally associated with children of that age.
The story is set in France and the characters, who are undoubtedly French, use words intermittently throughout the story, such as L’ Ombrage (the ship Pepper captains), la pauvre(the nickname Pepper’s aunt bestowed upon him), as well as the formal address of Madame or Monsieur. The use of language in this novel adds a sense of location to the story and makes the characters more authentic.
Paul “Pepper” Roux is a very religious character and as a result much of the novel has an underlying religious tone to it. The saints and angels who are presumably out to get Pepper and the prayers written by Aunt Mireille and tucked into Pepper’s pockets show a connection to the Catholic religion.

d. Review excerpt(s)
• From School Library Journal: “Pepper, in all his endearing innocence and goodness, will capture readers' hearts, and Duchesse, the cross-dressing steward, may be the most hilarious yet wise character in children's literature this decade.”
• From Booklist: “McCaughrean’s exuberant prose and whirling humor animate an unforgettable cast of characters.”
• From Horn Book: “Geraldine McCaughrean’s The Death-Defying Pepper Roux will satisfy even the most voracious appetite for excitement.”

e. Connections
• Couple with The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain to discuss the harrowing adventures of teenage boys in literature.
• Compare with other works by Geraldine McCaughrean, such as the Printz Award winner, The White Darkness or the Whitbread Children’s Book Award winning, Not the End of the World