Billy, recently deceased, keeps an eye on his best friend, fourteen-year-old Eddie, who has added to his home and school problems by becoming mute, and helps him stand up to a conservative minister and English teacher who is orchestrating a censorship challenge. IOWA HIGH SCHOOL AWARD 2007 - 2008 HIGH INTEREST SECOND CHANCE READING Interest Level: YA ATOS Book Level: 5.9 AR Interest Level: MG AR Points: 6 Reading Counts Level: 7.1 Reading Counts Points: 11 Lexile Measure: 1010.