If this book hadn't been recommended to me, I wouldn't have gone past the first two pages. There's only so much information about hot Kansas towns I can take. Henry York arrives in Henry, Kansas, to live with his Aunt Dotty, Uncle Frank, and his cousins Penny, Henrietta and Anastasia. Life is about as normal as anyone would expect in Kansas - from Uncle Frank's truck to evening barbeques and baseball games. One night, plaster starts to chip off of Henry's bedroom wall and fall into his hair. He finds cupboards, all showing window-like portals to other worlds. Add in an ugly witch, a strange creature, and you've got the makings of a wannabe Narnia. 
 This is a good book for middle age boys. It's fun and fast-paced and guy-friendly. It would be well paired with Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary.