Fourth in the series about two brothers growing up in New Jersey comes another appealing and simple menu; TOMATO SOUP FOR EUGENE. So far the kids have enjoyed homemade garlic bread, lemonade, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Now they're getting that bit older and Henry the elder, as ever is keen to step up and get on with life. Eugene has always been his keen supporter, and sometimes his stimulus to action. That is what happens when you lose your dad.

Henry is in high school now, the star of the football team. And he has new friends, some of whom have cars, and he doesn't want his little brother hanging around any more. Can't Eugene arrange his own social life?

Disappointed, Eugene gives up on the idea of a high-profile football game in town, since Henry doesn't want his company. He goes off to a friend's house and helps fix up some old machinery. Later he and his pal Karl see a new kid in school being bullied, and step in to help, at some risk to themselves. Rashid can't help where he comes from, nor fight back against cruel taunts. His parents are surgeons, good people, as Eugene and Karl discover later.

Another person suffering rejection is Butchie, the mature janitor at the school. His girlfriend has just departed to try life in a new town. Butchie has nobody to keep an eye on his diet, to watch against the creep of heart-unhealthy foods and the lure of sodas. If he ate a double-sized everything in the fast food place, who would know? Loneliness increases temptation.

I was fascinated by the interplay of characters and strands. As I am not interested in American football I skipped past some pages, but I know they will appeal to many boys. Henry discovers that even younger brothers have their uses, and indeed without the prop of the bigger lad, Eugene stands a bit taller. Butchie has already had one second chance in life, following a heart attack; now he gets another second chance.

The seaside town is again full of adventure, fishing, good food, and good friends. If you just open your eyes and look, you won't just pass over something or someone less conventionally attractive or less cool. I was satisfied with the way the book turned out, and I can only say I'm sorry that author Michael Heath has decided this will be the last installment. TOMATO SOUP FOR EUGENE is a good way to make boys think about role models and allegiances.