The Tent

Power . . . Money . . . Guilt

Tired of being poor, Steven’s father, Corey, is certain that preaching the Word of the Lord is the way to fame and fortune. So father and son take off in their dilapidated truck, with a stolen Bible and a leaky army tent, for a whirlwind tour of small Texas towns.

At first, few people come to see the new tent preacher — but each day Corey’s confidence and charisma grow. Soon their fortune is growing, too, especially when they start performing bogus healings. For the first time, they can afford luxuries like expensive hotel rooms, meals in fancy restaurants, even a slick new bike for Steven. But despite all of this, Steven can’t shake the feeling that there is something terribly wrong with what they’re doing. Can he convince his dad to give up their life of deception?

A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age

A Society of School Librarians International Honor Book

“A sincere and thoughtful story of spiritual growth . . . could prompt some serious discussion.” — The Bulletin