In the sequel to the Newbery Honor-winning novel Paperboy Victor Vollmer sets off to fulfill a final request of Mr. Spiro the aging neighbor who became his friend and mentor. Now a few years older and working as a newspaper copyboy Victor plans to spread Mr. Spiros ashes at the mouth of the Mississippi River as the former merchant marine wished. But the journey will not be a simple one. Victor will confront a strange and threatening world and when his abilities and confidence get put to the test hell lean on a fascinating girl named Philomene for help. Together theyll venture toward the place where river meets sea and theyll race to evade Hurricane Betsy as it bears down.