Luckily for Mickey, his wonderful Uncle Ronald and his crafty twin aunts, the O'Malley girls, embraced, loved, and protected him. Despite the fact that the town of Low was under siege by the army for refusing to pay their taxes ("We would if they'd just fix the roads and build the schools"), Mickey learned to feel safe for the first time in his life. When his father finally tracked them down, it was Uncle Ronald and his clever horse, Second Chance Lance who made it possible for Mickey to ultimately reach the age of 112.

Brian Doyle shows again his ability to lace humor through tragic circumstances in Uncle Ronald, which deals movingly and seriously with an abusive, alcoholic father and the frightening role he plays in his family's life. Doyle's portrait of the people of the Canadian Gatineau Hills and the gentle and hilarious way they defy the Keystone Cops of the federal government is full of quirky and courageous personalities -- from Tommy Twelve Toes to McCooey, to Even Steven -- that will enthrall young readers in an unforgettable story with a message of hope and humanity.