Borgel

Pinkwater's 'Borgel' is the rare middle-grade book that is genuinely funny to adults reading over a child's shoulder — the absurdist logic is tight, the philosophical asides about the Great Popsicle land with a light touch, and the whole thing clips along at a pace that never lets you get bored. It is niche humor that will bewilder readers expecting plot-driven adventure, but for kids who already love Douglas Adams or Terry Pratchett's wit, this is a wonderful entry point.