Synopsis
After escaping the orphanage where they have spent their lives together, two boys become assistants to a con artist, and while Possum objects to the lying, stealing, and ...
Sue Reichard - Children's Literature
Billy Foster is a born liar. All the boys in the Deacon Smith Home for Waifs love to hear Billy's tales. Deacon Smith is hard on all the boys and he enjoys giving a boy a good whipping from time to time. Billy arrived at the Home in a basket one winter. He does not even know how old he is for sure. Billy has no real birthday or last name and is completely unsure about who he is. But Billy knows for sure that he is Possum's best friend. Billy and Possum dream about running away from the Home to discover gold. Another one of Billy's lies is just the trick for the two boys and their dreams for the future. Once the boys run away they quickly discover they have new problems, no where to go and no money. Billy and Possum make a pledge to each other never to steal and this pledge is solemnly kept until they meet Professor Alberto Santini and his traveling road show. The two discover new places but most of all they discover new things about and within themselves. Billy and Possum's adventures will be enjoyed by even the most reluctant reader. This is a must for intermediate- and middle-school libraries. 2004, Marshall Cavendish, Ages 9 to 12.