Review Detail

Rusty Cooper and Joey Banks are best friends and have sworn never to tell on each other about any number of things, including the time Joey's privates got attacked by a crappie in their favorite swimming hole. But some secrets are bigger than others.

The biggest difference between Joey and Rusty is in their families. While Rusty's got a loving mom and dad (and an annoying sister), Joey's got a father that'll take a switch to him for any number of offenses, including ones that aren't Joey's fault. That's where a lot of the secret pacts come in. When Joey accidentally shoots his dad's favorite cat while getting rid of ground squirrels, Rusty vows not to ever tell.

But then comes the big secret. The thing that is tearing both Rusty and Joey apart from the inside. Something so terrible that neither one knows what to do. Ultimately, Rusty does the right thing and confesses, changing both of their families for ever.

While the main message of this book is a serious one about friendship and right and wrong, the majority of it will have readers laughing, even as they cringe at Joey's dad. The boys get into predicaments that you just can't imagine. I've mentioned a couple, but there are many, many more, each one funnier than the last.

Joey and Rusty's friendship is a special thing and this book is a keeper because of the loving detail the author puts into their relationship. I recommend this book for readers aged 10 and up, boys or girls.