The Janitor's Boy

It was the Perfect Crime

Unfortunately, it also led to the perfect punishment. When Jack Rankin gets busted for defacing a school desk with a huge wad of disgusting, watermelon bubble gum cleanup for the chief custodian. The problem is, Jack's anger at the chief custodian was the reason for his gum project in the first place. The chief custodian happens to be Jack's dad.
But going time in he school basement after hours reveals some pretty surprising things:  about the school, about Jack's father, and about Jack himself.

"A memorable novel"  - Publishers Weekly, starred review 

"This taut mystery gets to the heart of every parent - child relationship."