First Boy by Gary Schmidt

Since I liked Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary Schmidt so much, I decided to read another book by Schmidt. I chose First Boy. I was not disappointed in this book either.
First Boy by Gary Schmidt is a classic tale of a boy who finds he may be famous, or infamous as it is. The book moves quickly and has a real sense of mystery to it. I know boys would enjoy this book. I could see Schmidt's humor come through in the story. Those who know anything about the country will be warmed to the heart with the descriptions of a boy, his farm, and his cows. I liked the way the book started right in with the story having the grandfather die right in the very beginning. (Don't worry I am not giving anything away, it happens right away and is not the major plot.)
One thing I did not see in this book as in Lizzie Bright and Buckminster Boy was the layering and the wonderful story elements of a historical fiction novel. (Although this is not a historical fiction novel.) I just really thought Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy was one of the best books I have ever read, so it is hard to live up to.
I can now recommend two of Schmidt's books to students. This book will definitely be for my boys. (Not that girls couldn't enjoy it) I love the fact that Schmidt does not revert to using cuss words just because his characters are teenage boys. In fact, I don't remember seeing any in the two books.