A Difficult Boy by M. P. Barker is a good story about two young boys working for a shopkeeper. This book kept my interest from page 1. It's funny at times and heartbreaking too! Give it a chance, you will be glad you did!
(Gerard's Review 11/10/11)
I loved reading A Difficult Boy by M. P. Barker even though it is a teen historical fiction book set in Massachusetts in 1839. It is the story of two indentured servants, Ethan (9 yrs. old) and an orphan named Daniel aka Paddy, a few years older (who become friends and worked together to get their freedom. This book kept my interest all the way through and I felt sorry for the boys and anger towards their abusive master, Mr. Lyman, the town's well respected storekeeper. What a creep he was! My favorite part of the book though was when Daniel taught Ethan how to ride Ivy, Mr. Lyman's horse. I also liked the ending!
I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or stories about friendship. I think this would make a very good movie! It is interesting that the author worked as a costumed historical guide in Massachusetts for nearly ten years and this is her first novel! It won the 2003 PEN New England Children's Book Caucus Discovery Award. To learn more and view the book trailer, visit her website: www.mpbarker.net.
(Karen's review)
Have you read this one? What did you think of it?
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