Status
Available
Local notes
790 Igg
Collection
Genres
Publication
HarperCollins (2007), Edition: First Edition, 270 pages
Description
For every boy from eight to eighty, covers essential boyhood skills such as building tree houses, learning how to fish, finding true north, and even answering the age-old question of what the big deal with girls is. In this digital age there is still a place for knots, skimming stones and stories of incredible courage. This book recaptures Sunday afternoons, stimulates curiosity, and makes for great father-son activities. The brothers Conn and Hal have put together a collection of all things that make being young, or young at heart, fun--building go-carts and electromagnets, identifying insects and spiders, and flying the world's best paper airplanes.--From publisher description.
Awards
Utah Beehive Book Award (Nominee — Informational Books — 2009)
British Book Award (Winner — Book of the Year — 2007)
Berkshire Book Award (Winner — 2006)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2007
Physical description
270 p.; 7.8 inches
Media reviews
Like a bright lad with a chemistry set, “The Dangerous Book” generates a reaction with a smart mix: one part conservative polemic and one part simple-pleasures fable. It’s a rejection of the namby-pamby parenting of the 1970s. In its place, the authors evoke a peculiar, if fun, British Empire
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boyhood, one in which sturdy boys are expected to strive to “conquer worlds.” The book sells its thrills hard, and it certainly made this reader swoon at the idea of a son who recites “Ozymandias” and knows celestial navigation. Show Less
Publisher's Review
From the Publisher
The bestselling book for every boy from eight to eighty, covering essential boyhood skills such as building tree houses, learning how to fish, finding true north, and even answering the age old question of what the big deal with girls is.
In this digital age there is still a
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place for knots, skimming stones and stories of incredible courage. This book recaptures Sunday afternoons, stimulates curiosity, and makes for great father-son activities. The brothers Conn and Hal have put together a wonderful collection of all things that make being young or young at heart fun---building go-carts and electromagnets, identifying insects and spiders, and flying the world's best paper airplanes.
The completely revised American Edition includes:
The Greatest Paper Aiplane in the World
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
The Five Knots Every Boy Should Know
Stickball
Slingshots
Fossils
Building a Treehouse
Making a Bow and Arrow
Fishing (revised with US Fish)
Timers and Tripwires
Baseball's "Most Valuable Players"
Famous Battles-Including Lexington and Concord, The Alamo, and Gettysburg
Spies-Codes and Ciphers
Making a Go-Cart
Navajo Code Talkers' Dictionary
Girls
Cloud Formations
The States of the U.S.
Mountains of the U.S.
Navigation
The Declaration of Independence
Skimming Stones
Making a Periscope
The Ten Commandments
Common US Trees
Timeline of American History Show Less
Library Journal
Gr 4-8 - Intentionally old-fashioned and politically incorrect, this eclectic collection addresses the undeniable boy-appeal of certain facts and activities. Dozens of short chapters, in fairly random order, cover a wide range of topics in conversational prose. Simple instructions for coin tricks
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and paper airplanes alternate with excerpts from history such as "Famous Battles" and facts about ancient wonders of the world and astronomy. The "dangerous" aspect is more apparent in such chapters as "Making Cloth Fireproof," and "Hunting and Cooking a Rabbit," but also applies to the overall premise that action is fun and can be worth the risks. A section on stickball, for instance, includes advice to possibly "flee the vicinity" in the event of a broken window. The information is appropriately concise. The knot-tying section, for example, sticks to five basic varieties with clear instructions and useful diagrams. Occasional topics such as "Marbling Paper" and "Latin Phrases Every Boy Should Know" may not fit the stereotypical interests of young males, but support the general theme of cultivating curiosity. The authors refer to their own experiences as they tested the activities, lending an appealing personal tone. Tongue-in-cheek humor emerges throughout, notably in eight bits of advice offered in the chapter called "Girls." Already a best seller in England, this American edition features several adjustments, such as substituting "The Declaration of Independence" for "Patron Saints of Britain." Both premise and content should appeal to many boys, and might be even more successful when nostalgic dads join in.-Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR
Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information
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User reviews
LibraryThing member MWShort
As the father of small boy who all too often--at least until we moved to the country--would prefer the XBox 360 to more active pursuits, I regard The Dangerous Book for Boys as one of the best things to come along in ages. It's a book of concentrated 'boyness,' and contains activities my daughter
Personally, I'm amazed that there are things in this book--like tying knots--that I didn't learn until I was in the Army.
Every father needs this book, and needs to share it with his kids.
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enjoys as well.Personally, I'm amazed that there are things in this book--like tying knots--that I didn't learn until I was in the Army.
Every father needs this book, and needs to share it with his kids.
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LibraryThing member joshuarowen
This book ,I recommend to a creator and a adventures year 6 or year 5.
LibraryThing member calvetti
This is one of my best investments EVER! I bought this book before I had a son for myself. And now that I have a son, I can not wait for him to accomplish ever little thing this book has to offer.
This book is divided up into very tiny little pieces that have activities for BOYS (there is one for
This book has samples of Shakespeare and poetry, as well as how to make a paper hat, paper airplane and a water bomb, or how to tie a sailor's knot or even directions on how to make your own Go-Cart!
If you have a little boy - it is your duty to pick up this book and have it on hand as a reference piece. If you do - you can never be bored at home!
This book is divided up into very tiny little pieces that have activities for BOYS (there is one for
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girls, too!) My personal favorite parts are back to back. There is a spot on baseball stats and statistics that every boy should know. And then, there is a section on famous battles throughout history - that starts with the Battle of Thermopylae (the famous battle about the 300 Spartans), and the second battle the talk about is the Battle of Cannae (Hannibal defeating the Romans). This book has samples of Shakespeare and poetry, as well as how to make a paper hat, paper airplane and a water bomb, or how to tie a sailor's knot or even directions on how to make your own Go-Cart!
If you have a little boy - it is your duty to pick up this book and have it on hand as a reference piece. If you do - you can never be bored at home!
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LibraryThing member misericordia
I would advise every parent of a boy (age 8 to 80) to buy this book. Then promptly place it on a very high shelf, suitable out of reach. This will promptly insure it being read by every boy in the house. Then quietly ignore the tell-tale sign of flash light reading beneath covers after bed time.
It
I for one would like to suggest the following items to volume two, (More Danger for Boys, Gentlemans Guide to Chaos or How to be a Daredevil).
1. Signaling with Semaphore Flags
2. Tumbling
3. The seven basic machines
4. Basic Trigonometry
5. Digging Holes (Not every kid built a fort in a tree.)
6. Rules for Kick the Can
7. Kites!
It
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has a slightly strange British flavor the creeps in every once and a awhile. I mean rugby? But over all this is a good thing. I must admit I was disappointed at not finding the Magna Carta in it. Is there a full blown British version? (I checked and yes there is...) I would love to see that.I for one would like to suggest the following items to volume two, (More Danger for Boys, Gentlemans Guide to Chaos or How to be a Daredevil).
1. Signaling with Semaphore Flags
2. Tumbling
3. The seven basic machines
4. Basic Trigonometry
5. Digging Holes (Not every kid built a fort in a tree.)
6. Rules for Kick the Can
7. Kites!
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LibraryThing member jmcclain19
Bought this for our soon to be born son to have in the coming years. But my wife and I discovered we may get more amusement out of it than he will. Everything from building a treehouse, making paper airplanes, yp how to make secret codes, along with explaining the rules of rugby, football & soccer.
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The list goes on and on - wish I had something like this when I was growing up. Amazon's link has an excellent video montage "How you can use Dangerous Book for Boys" that's worth viewing as well. Show Less
LibraryThing member dogrover
As an Assistant Scoutmaster and father of four (two of which are boys), I've had some experience on what does and does not get boys excited. The tone and content of this book are perfect for boys ages 9 to 13, and not too shabby for everyone else either.There are lots of great reviews for this
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book, so I will just add my two-cents worth: the whole book is worth the price for the section on "Girls" alone. If most of the boys I know (even some of you older ones!) would remember that advice, this wide world would be quite a bit happier (and perhaps a little less smelly, too). Show Less
LibraryThing member BruderBane
Short review this time. I really wish I had this book about 30 years ago. Having it now is very cool, too.
LibraryThing member nhoule
This really tickled me and I'm glad someone came up with the inspiration to compile the many experiments, formulas and tips for boys to have fun beyond TV and vidoe games.
LibraryThing member tthaas
A wonderful, retro-feeling book that includes instructions to do everything that a boy "should," be able to do, but may not learn in today's climate. For example, one chapter concerns itself with how to skin and cook a rabbit. Other chapters are a bit more practical -- how to tie knots, how to play
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chess, how to train a dog... Additionally, there are bits of knowledge that every boy should have; "7 poems every boy should know," "famous battles of antiquity," etc. A very enjoyable read! Show Less
LibraryThing member Cottonwood.School
For every boy from eight to eighty, covers essential boyhood skills such as building tree houses, learning how to fish, finding true north, and even answering the age-old question of what the big deal with girls is. In this digital age there is still a place for knots, skimming stones and stories
Show More
of incredible courage. This book recaptures Sunday afternoons, stimulates curiosity, and makes for great father-son activities. The brothers Conn and Hal have put together a collection of all things that make being young, or young at heart, fun--building go-carts and electromagnets, identifying insects and spiders, and flying the world's best paper airplanes. Show Less
LibraryThing member wwe121424
Great book for boys. Every boy should read this book.
LibraryThing member CliffBurns
Wonderful book!
Bought it for my two sons a couple of Christmases ago and it was an immediate hit. Everything a young GUY should know...oh, and also the basic rules of cricket. Okay, so it's a trifle Anglo-centric. But it's a terrific primer when it comes to history, how-to and practicality. Perfect
Bought it for my two sons a couple of Christmases ago and it was an immediate hit. Everything a young GUY should know...oh, and also the basic rules of cricket. Okay, so it's a trifle Anglo-centric. But it's a terrific primer when it comes to history, how-to and practicality. Perfect
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for the 10-14 age group. A favorite around Casa Burns... Show Less
LibraryThing member HippieLunatic
A terrific reference book for those boys of any age who are interested in learning all about the world around them, [The Dangerous Book for Boys] is one of the best resources I have found as a mother who loves adventure, but doesn't have the background to teach the skills.
LibraryThing member deidzoeb
Fun, cute, interesting, literally dangerous. I love the fact that the authors took half a page to tell kids how fun role-playing games are, but they seem to rely on their memories from 25 years ago, without refreshing themselves on the material or researching what they're like today, or
This made me wonder how many other errors are in the book. Worst I've noticed so far is a section explaining how to do CPR, including the outdated "precordial thump" -- a stiff punch in the chest intended to shock the heart into restarting. I remember seeing that thump performed in an episode of MASH, and wondering why it wasn't taught in the CPR certification class I took in the late 80s. I thought it was the kind of out-dated first aid advice they used to teach in lifesaving courses. If you watch movies of a certain age, they'll show a person trying to revive a drowning victim by pumping their legs up and down, as if it makes them breathe or works out the water. Apparently doctors still do the precordial thump, but they found that laymen did more harm than good when they attempted it, so they stopped teaching it long ago. These days, they don't even recommend that everyone should give mouth-to-mouth breathing, but focus on only chest compressions.
When it comes to folding paper airplanes or coin tricks, the book is great. I would approach it skeptically when you get to the chapters explaining why the sky is blue or recounting famous historical battles though.
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fact-checking themselves. "When we were children, we progressed from Basic to Advanced to Expert to Immortal levels, before moving on to battling at a national level and building an empire." It's hard to describe how the different editions of D&D developed or related to each other, but "Advanced" was not a section in between Basic and Expert. It was a separate set of rules.This made me wonder how many other errors are in the book. Worst I've noticed so far is a section explaining how to do CPR, including the outdated "precordial thump" -- a stiff punch in the chest intended to shock the heart into restarting. I remember seeing that thump performed in an episode of MASH, and wondering why it wasn't taught in the CPR certification class I took in the late 80s. I thought it was the kind of out-dated first aid advice they used to teach in lifesaving courses. If you watch movies of a certain age, they'll show a person trying to revive a drowning victim by pumping their legs up and down, as if it makes them breathe or works out the water. Apparently doctors still do the precordial thump, but they found that laymen did more harm than good when they attempted it, so they stopped teaching it long ago. These days, they don't even recommend that everyone should give mouth-to-mouth breathing, but focus on only chest compressions.
When it comes to folding paper airplanes or coin tricks, the book is great. I would approach it skeptically when you get to the chapters explaining why the sky is blue or recounting famous historical battles though.
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LibraryThing member lorinhigashi
Would boys today even know what it means to skip stones or want to know how to make a bow and arrow? With the popularity of video and computer games, this book may seem like it's a book for their father not themselves. However this is a great communication piece for father and son relationships or
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to show the ideas of simplicity from the past. It not only includes how-to instructions for different types of projects and hobbies, but it also includes great history and science lessons and facts. The section on "Girls' is hilarious. I think the hope for this book was to show that you do not need to sit in front of a computer or television to find entertainment - it can be found inside a book. Show Less
LibraryThing member tmstimbert
Comical and true to life. Enjoyable read
LibraryThing member denisa.howe
I loved this book.... From learning how to tie knots to essential gear every boy should have to how to make the best paper airplane in the world and then on tofirst Aid, marbling paper, Navajo Code talking to writing a letter to a girlfriend and common help with writing proper English tosatisfy any
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teacher. My boys had this book and now my grandchildren and it is simply a wonderful to do and how to do with a lot of fun!!!! Show Less
LibraryThing member BenjaminHahn
This is such an awesome collection of facts, projects, stories, poetry and more all designed meticulously for young boys to explore and have fun with. There is even a section on how to talk to and listen to girls. He's still got a ways to go but I hope some day Sebastian will have fun flipping
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through this. Show Less
LibraryThing member jms001
A great book…for both boys and girls.
Don't let the title fool you. Girls would love the content in this book just as much as any boy out there, perhaps even more. It's choked full of random yet essential information that any self-respecting adult ought to know…or at least be familiar with. How
A great resource book to have at home, especially for those long summer days when all you have is time to read. Time to get started!
Don't let the title fool you. Girls would love the content in this book just as much as any boy out there, perhaps even more. It's choked full of random yet essential information that any self-respecting adult ought to know…or at least be familiar with. How
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to tie various knots? Now I know how to do some basics. How to make a respectable paper airplane? How to build a sturdy treehouse? What about the 7 ancient wonders of the world? So much to know!A great resource book to have at home, especially for those long summer days when all you have is time to read. Time to get started!
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LibraryThing member oel_3
Am glad got myself a copy!
LibraryThing member TheDivineOomba
This is one of those books that works for a certain time period. Unfortunately, for me, it felt dated. Even though the information is interesting, the presentation felt a bit snarky, with a tone that seems to be against the modern world. For example, it had a list of battles, and suggested a boy
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should have them. Emorized. In this day of Google, it seemed a bit pointless. It was written for baby boomers to relive their childhood. I didn't finish it. Show Less
LibraryThing member KR2
Great idea for a book. My sons love all of the things in this book. From paper airplanes to go carts; from dinosaurs to the fifty states, there are all sorts of wonders to be found in this book. I have done many of the activities with my sons and we have had a great time together. The only glaring
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omission from the book may have been how to tie a necktie. The only other argument against the author was his list of must reads. J.K. Rowling and Stephen King are not on my list of must reads. ...moreGreat idea for a book. My sons love all of the things in this book. From paper airplanes to go carts; from dinosaurs to the fifty states, there are all sorts of wonders to be found in this book. I have done many of the activities with my sons and we have had a great time together. The only glaring omission from the book may have been how to tie a necktie. The only other argument against the author was his list of must reads. J.K. Rowling and Stephen King are not on my list of must reads. Very good information and great activities, especially for a father to share with his sons. Show Less
LibraryThing member Mendoza
I love how so much that is in the book is exactly how my childhood went. And it really brings home to me just how very little of all this useful info has been imparted to my son. My fault? Certainly. But, also, it is a totally different culture today - computers, video games, and even more young
I have started to bring the book out this summer and introduce my 10 year old to 'Making a Battery' and 'Marbles'.
This book is so much a slice of life that I hadn't realized it was gone until I read it. I am glad to have the opportunity to recapture some of it now with my son.
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adult books for my son to read, more movies to see.... And it saddens me a bit to find that he isn't being taught nearly any of the things in this book in the course of his daily life. Information and technology are changing so rapidly that most of what is in the book would be deemed out of date and unnecessary.I have started to bring the book out this summer and introduce my 10 year old to 'Making a Battery' and 'Marbles'.
This book is so much a slice of life that I hadn't realized it was gone until I read it. I am glad to have the opportunity to recapture some of it now with my son.
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LibraryThing member jcaister
Too basic and disjointed
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Pages
270