Burn baby Burn VS The Smell of Other People's Houses

Well, after first reading The Smell of Other People's Houses, I assumed that it would have been the winner.  But you know what they say, you can't judge a book by its cover (or it's summary or a cursory flip through).  We got to know the MANY characters in The Smell of Other People's Houses and I found it interesting to learn about the time period, but Burn Baby Burn was a richer read.  It wrapped up a little to neat and tidy for me, but overall I felt that the writing was better and the characters seemed very realistic and representational of  kids that we have all met. 

Burn Baby Burn is my winner.