The MisAdventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson by Glenn McCarty illustrated by Joe Sutphin*

My ten-year-old and I loved this humorous book!  My thirteen-year-old even listened most of the time (on his own accord!).  

Eugene Appleton lives in Rattlesnake Junction, Colorado in 1876.  During his free time, he reads lots of Dead-Eye Dan novels, which stir a desire for adventure within him.  When Tumbleweed and his pa drive into town selling a "fix all" tonic, Eugene's boring summer zooms into adventure.  The boys stumble upon members of the Clean Shave Gang and their plot to rob a train.  When Eugene's friend Wendell is accused of murder, the boys and their friend Charlotte piece together a plan for justice.  

Full of humor, interesting characters and an exciting plot, this book will engage readers of all ages.

The tone, plot and characters remind me of a mix of Mark Twain books and Louis L'Amour books.

How I hope Mr. McCarty writes more wholesome, exciting books like this one!!

It is encouraging to find a book with strong male characters.  It seems like so many books promoted in review columns for children's literature feature strong female protagonists.  

-We own this book.