Christy (short for Christopher), the twelve-year-old protagonist of this book, is one of Ireland's travellers, gypsy-like bands of people who live in caravans and move from town to town. Although he and his family are ostracized by most, Christy loves his life on the move. Then his dying grandfather hints that there's something Christy doesn't know about his mother's story and Christy's world is turned upside-down. His father has always told Christy that his mother died shortly after he was born, but now, filled with sudden doubts, Christy is determined to discover the truth. This book is an uncomplicated, touching read that should be accessible to many high school students and even precocious middle school readers. I originally picked this book because it wasn't like all the other books I've been seeing out there lately. no excops or amateur detectives, SciFi post apocalypse worlds or wizards, vampires and wearwolves. An Irish boy in the 1950s with his traveling gypsy family just trying to figure out who he is. Would have given it 5 stars but the end got a bit redundant otherwise very well written. A lovely story with wonderfully descriptive lives.
What do You think about The Outside Boy (2010)?
This book started slowly but ended strong.!id definitely recommend it.
—Lorena
Enjoyed this tremendously! Guess it is the Irish in me!
—hattieu88
I loved this book! Highly recommend it!
—Trickpony125
