I am currently reading the book "Dead End in Norvelt."  This book is definitely quircky and would appeal mostly to young adolescent boys.  It's the story about a 12 year old boy, Jack, who spends his summer grounded after getting in trouble with his parents.  He's only allowed out of the house to help out his neighbor, Miss Volker.  His job is to help her write obituaties in the town of Norvelt.  Jack starts to develop a close realtionship with Miss Volker, and his summer is not turning out so bad afterall.