“Death by Whoopee Cushion” by Vicki Grant: When Pranks Go Wrong and Science Saves the Day

For kids who are starting to see that the world is not always as straightforward as it seems, stories that blend curiosity, humour, and real-life challenges can be captivating. At this stage, young readers are often drawn to books that reflect their growing independence while still leaving room for laughter and fun. Death by Whoopee Cushion by Atlantic Canadian author Vicki Grant captures this balance perfectly, blending science, mystery, and relatable family dynamics into a fast-paced and entertaining story. Published by Tundra Books and nominated for the 2026 Silver Birch Fiction Award for Grades 5–6, fiction, this novel introduces readers to a young protagonist determined to uncover the truth when a prank turns dangerously serious. Keep reading for an exclusive interview with award-winning YA author Vicki Grant, based in the Halifax area of Nova Scotia.

Parents and educators will find Death by Whoopee Cushion especially meaningful for young readers navigating curiosity, independence, and self-discovery. Manya’s love of science and her determination to uncover the truth offer a powerful model for critical thinking and resilience. The story also opens the door to conversations about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)  in everyday life, showing that science is not just confined to classrooms but is present in everything from baking to problem-solving. The science tutoring team at Teachers on Call loves to recommend books that encourage students to ask questions, think logically, and see the relevance of science in the world around them, all while staying deeply entertained.

Why the Forest of Reading Continues to Spark Young Readers’ Imaginations

The Forest of Reading is Canada’s largest recreational reading program, inspiring students across the country to discover outstanding Canadian books each year. Organized by the Ontario Library Association, the program includes multiple award categories in both English and French, recognizing authors and illustrators for readers of all ages. What makes the program unique is that young readers themselves vote for their favourite books, giving them a meaningful voice in celebrating literature. The experience culminates in the Forest of Reading Festival at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8), where students and authors gather to celebrate reading together. At Teachers on Call, our online and in-home tutoring service is proud to support initiatives like this that nurture a lifelong love of books and empower students to engage with stories in a meaningful way.

About the Author

Vicki Grant has been called “a superb storyteller” and “one of the funniest writers working today.” Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, she has built an impressive career spanning advertising, television writing, and award-winning fiction for young readers. Her work has earned numerous accolades, including the Red Maple Award and CBC’s Young Canada Reads. Over the course of her career, Vicki Grant’s novels have been translated into more than twenty languages and have earned numerous honours, including the Arthur Ellis Award and multiple Forest of Reading nominations.

About the Book

Death by Whoopee Cushion follows twelve-year-old Manya, an aspiring scientist who would much rather focus on experiments than the silly pranks sold in her parents’ joke shop. But when a series of dangerous incidents leads to a shocking death and her parents are accused of murder, Manya must rely on her scientific mind to uncover the truth. With the help of her best friend Isaac, she navigates clues, experiments, and unexpected twists in a story that blends humour with a compelling mystery. For readers who enjoy fast-paced, can’t-put-it-down stories, this novel was featured in The Globe and Mail’s “Ten Tantalizing Mysteries You Won’t Want to Put Down".

Read Our Exclusive Interview with East Coast Author Vicki Grant

Death by Whoopee Cushion combines laugh-out-loud humour with a gripping mystery. What inspired you to build a story around a joke shop and a young scientist solving a very serious crime?

My initial idea wasn’t to combine pranks and science. I was just thinking, kids love whoopee cushions and slime, right? Why not set a story in a joke shop? The science part came in because I needed my main character to have a conflict of some sort, so I flipped the premise. Instead of the kid loving whoopee cushions, what if it were the parents who did? I mean, what would be more embarrassment to a twelve-year old nerd than a dad who loves fart jokes? That was my starting point. (I also had some personal experience with mortified preteens. When one of my kids was in Grade Four, her teacher asked me to do a presentation for her class. My daughter insisted on standing right beside me the whole time, turning the pages. Times change. When I came to her Grade Seven class, she was nowhere to be found. She’d played hookie rather than suffer the ignominy of having her mother reading from her stupid book in front of all her friends. That was an inspiration for Death by Whoopee Cushion too. A lot of adolescents experience a similar emotional journey. At ten, they’re looking at their parents thinking, “I love you more than anyone on earth!” By twelve, they’re rolling their eyes and going, “Who is this dork?” I figured I could use that.

Manya is fascinated by the science behind pranks, from chemical reactions to cause-and-effect. Why was it important for you to place science at the heart of this story?

First, as I mention above, science – or the love of it – played an important role in the emotional arc of the story, but it also helped define how Manya went about solving the crime. Manya’s a rationalist. She’s interested in facts and logic. She doesn’t doubt her own intelligence. (She may doubt her own resolve and courage – every story needs a struggle! – but not her mental capacity.) Her unapologetic confidence in that regard made her an interesting character to write.

The book shows that science can be both fun and powerful. What do you hope young readers learn about STEM and problem solving through Manya’s investigation?

That everything involves science. As a kid, I thought of science as something totally divorced from my life. Something just for the brainiacs. It was hard and obscure. Meanwhile, I spent a lot of my free time baking and figuring things out. I wish someone had explained that baking was science too. Showing those connections is what makes learning interesting, and I hope it does the same for readers.

How can parents and educators use this book to spark conversations about scientific thinking and asking the right questions?

It’s the idea that science is everywhere. Everyday experiences can lead to meaningful discussions, whether it’s waves at the beach or why something hurts. We may not all become scientists, but having a basic understanding helps us navigate important issues in the world.

The mystery invites readers to think critically about clues and logical conclusions. Were there any scientific concepts you especially enjoyed weaving into the story?

I loved learning about invisible ink and how chemistry plays a role in it. It’s a great example of how science can have real-world impact, even in unexpected ways.

You have been called one of the funniest writers working today. How do you balance humour with emotional stakes?

I try to create characters who naturally find humour in situations, even difficult ones. But I am careful not to let jokes distract from the story. Sometimes the funniest lines don’t make it into the final version.

You live in Nova Scotia. Is there a favourite place where you feel inspired?

I like working at our cottage. It’s quiet and free from distractions, which helps me focus.

What do you hope young readers will take away from Manya’s journey?

“You can do it.” I like stories where characters face something overwhelming but find the strength to push through. I also hope the book encourages acceptance and understanding. The world can feel very divided, and those qualities matter more than ever.

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Death by Whoopee Cushion is a standout middle-grade novel that masterfully combines humour, mystery, and meaningful themes about resilience and critical thinking. Vicki Grant’s engaging storytelling invites readers to laugh while also challenging them to think deeply about science, truth, and relationships. As part of the Forest of Reading program, this book not only entertains but also empowers young readers to explore new ideas and have their voices heard. Whether read at home or in the classroom, it is a memorable and thought-provoking addition to any young reader’s bookshelf. Looking for more Forest of Reading favourites for curious young readers? Check out interviews with more Silver Birch Fiction nominees, like Bea Mullins Takes a Shot by Toronto-born Emily Deibert, The City of Lost Cats by Vancouver-based Tanya LLoyd Kyi, or The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents by Bradford-local Nicki Pau Preto.