Review Detail

Jerry and her mother have struggled ever since the death of Jerry's father, and have moved around from inexpensive motel to inexpensive motel. Apartments are difficult because Jerry is in a wheelchair due to a degenerative genetic disorder. When the two land at the Slumbering Giant Motel (the "s" is on the blink, hence the title of the book), Jerry's mother tells her that this is a permanent stop. Working for Ms. Mavis at the hotel, with occasional jobs outside, is steady work that comes with a room. Jerry has had bad experiences with public school, so is happy to be home schooled, but her mother is very busy with the new job. Jerry has a small dragon named Paul to keep her company, although her mother views him as an imaginary friend. Luckily, there is another girl her age at the motel, Chapel Bell. The Bells lost their home in a fire, and are staying at the motel until they can find a new place to live. Chapel and Jerry strike up a friendship, and are soon drawn into the mystery of where Jerry's mother disappears to for so long. Jerry follows her mother's car's oil tracks into the woods, and discovers that the voices she has heard on the radio are real. The Windy Pines area has long suffered from strange disappearances in the woods, but Jerry and Chapel are able to find out more information about them that takes them in a surprising direction. What part of all of this does Ms. Mavis play? What is Jerry's mother doing in the woods? And how will Jerry and Chapel help keep the Lumbering Giant safe for everyone?