The Adventures of Tank and Pudge

The first book in “The Adventures of Tank and Pudge” series, “The Carnival” introduces readers to narrator Hal Grayson and his friends Tank, Pudge, and Gene as they prepare to start ninth grade at Central Ashe High School. A coming of age story reminiscent of “Stand by Me,” this debut novel from Harold “HP” Phipps offers a perfect glimpse into 1950s boyhood nostalgia

and is a love song to the North Carolina high country. As the boys navigate first love, gross-out pranks, and stomach-turning carnival rides, their friendships are tried, tested, and ultimately strengthened.