Review Detail

It is plain amazing to me that boys live to grow up to be men. The stories my husband has told me about his childhood games just amaze me while I was making mud pies, he was blowing things up. In How Angel Peterson Got His Name, Gary Paulsen travels back in time to his own childhood to share the daredevil adventures he and his friends shared.

They didn't call it 'extreme sports' back then, but that's essentially what they were engaging in. From trying to top the world speed record in skiing (in a state with no hills), to finding new uses for old army surplus gear, Gary and his friends tried it all. Each chapter focuses on a particular stunt or boy and are quick, fun reads, making this a good pick for reluctant readers.

I laughed out loud more than once while reading this one and I'm sure you will too. You'll also find yourself shaking your head. And let me just warn parents now if you have young boys, make sure they don't use any of the stunts described in this book as a road map to trying it themselves&

The only thing the book is missing is a description of Gary Paulsen's own antics. He generally acts as the observer in all the scenes. I'd love to hear about some of his own crazy stunts. Recommended for readers aged 10+ and parents who want to think back to their own childhood.