Summary

Tommy, Scott, and Dooley embark on a mission to reclaim a stolen treasure from a villain. Things escalate quickly and the boys find themselves in a very real and dangerous situation that changes the course of their and others lives. Set in the South in the early 1980s, this adventure tackles subjects of race and is overtly Christian.

Reading Level: Ages 8-12
Recommended Reading Age: 10-14

Mom Thoughts

S. D. Smith’s first step into realistic fiction is a beautiful story of forgiveness and reconciliation wrapped in his signature vintage adventure. Storytelling is an art form, and S. D. Smith continues to forge his way as a true originator in our age who knows and celebrates the building blocks of story.  He expertly crafts relatable and memorable characters while constructing a captivating quest. As with many books that matter, this is not a “safe” title for those who do not want to venture into deep, sometimes heavy subjects such as race, forgiveness, and reconciliation. We also see the transforming work of the Holy Spirit when someone comes to Christ.

While the overarching story tackles big issues, Smith infuses a healthy dose of humor.

“You can learn a lot by a man’s handshake- first, for instance, that he has a hand. Second, that he has a skill shared with our friends in the dog world- the ability to shake. Third, that he’s a fool for trusting his precious  human hand to the megaton squeezing power of mine.”

The Found Boys paints a realistic picture of the relationship between Blacks and Whites in the early 1980s in the South and does have some language considerations. (See below) I would not hand this book to a 10-12-year-old without engaging in purposeful conversation first and throughout, especially if they are not familiar with the Klu Klux Klan or how Black Americans were treated, especially in the South. This is not a “dessert” read, there is definitely meat on which your child will need to chew, but with the goal of nourishing your child’s heart and mind.

Language:

Getting a concussion is described as “going stupid for a while.”
Poop and diarrhea are briefly mentioned.
Shut up is used once.
Cavalier is described as kind of brave and kind of stupid.
“What the heck”  is used a time or two.
Someone is referred to as a brat.
A Klan member is wished “bad luck” and “his curses” follow.
The mother says. “Curse them!” about Klan members.
Scott refers to himself as an idiot.
The familiar rhyme, “Cross my heart and hope to die…” is said.
In referencing Blacks, a former Klan member says, “Dad said the only good ni-” but he is cut off. Clearly a reference to the “N” word, without saying it fully.

Sexual Content:

There is a reference to a flier put on cars that is “Probably about kissing or dancing.”

Questionable Behaviors:

A story is told about another boy stealing apples from an orchard.
A grandma asks her grandson to not tell his parents about a gift (a pearl) she gives him until after she has died.
Beer is spoken of a time or two, with a boy saying, “My dad says drinking beers is dumb.”
The boys sneak into a junkyard with angry dogs to take back something a friend lost.
Bad magazines and tobacco are mentioned in passing.

Racial Conflicts:

Tommy and Scott have many false ideas about Blacks at the beginning which the author is obviously not condoning and sometimes later shows to be untrue or which are obviously ridiculous. Some include the drums they listen to in their music affecting their judgment, and an interracial couple having black and white streaked children.
There is much written about the Klu Klux Klan and how they burn crosses in the yards of Blacks. No other violent actions are mentioned. SPOILER: The Klan does end up burning down the house of a white former member.

Other Things to Note:

Someone is referred to as a Communist.
“God don’t like it when you hate on his kids…whatever their color,” seems to imply that all people are children of God, instead of the Biblical definition which is only those who are in Christ, but it’s not blatant.
The families in the story are Credobaptists.

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At A Glance

 Number of Pages Number of Chatpers
173 15

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