Read + Review — The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall

The Seventh Most Important Thing is about 13 year old boy named Arthur Owens. The story takes place in Washington D.C. It deals with the aftermath of Arthur hurling a brick at an old man’s head. Arthur learns many different things while making up for the crime he committed. He contributes to one of the most amazing art creations of all time. Throughout the book, Arthur learns about passion, love, and dedication thanks to a wise old man, with a passion and a life’s worth of dreams.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it had a lot of well written detail and emotion. I really liked the character of the old man. He had a very interesting theory on life and was a great mentor for Arthur. One of the biggest surprises that the old man gave me, was his thankfulness for getting hit with a brick. It impressed me how nice he was about it and the punishment that he sentenced Arthur to. The thing that disappointed me the most was the lack of action, however, that was made up for by emotion, wisdom, and curiosity.

I was able to find many memorable plot twists, morals, and details in this book, but one of the most surprising things was the way the old man appreciated life. He made incredible art out of only seven everyday items, and he was appreciative of being hit on the head by a brick. But the old man had such a way with life, that you have no choice but to be amazed.

Reviewed by Andrew, Grade 7, Tuckahoe Area Library

Librarian’s note:  This novel is a fictional account of the creation of a world-class piece of American Outsider Art, which is on view at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.  Learn more here.