I remember once reading a book from my Middle School library that I really enjoyed. I'd really like to read it again, but I can't remember the title or author. I'm hoping someone here can help me. I know it was the first of a series, and remember part of the plot:

The main character is a boy who lives in a world where reading is forbidden to anyone but the 'Gods'. The boy, unlike everyone else, does know how to read. His mother runs an inn(?) or something like that, and one of the 'Gods' comes to stay briefly. He learns that the boy can read, despite it being forbidden, so he takes the boy with him when he leaves. As the book goes on, you learn that they aren't really 'Gods', but came there from elsewhere(?), I don't remember that part exactly.

So, anyone have a clue?

ETA: I would have read it in 1998 or so. That means it was likely released (or re-released) in mass market paperback not too terribly long before that.

You could try here:  http://www.logan.com/loganberry/stump.html

Thanks!