The Dangerous Book for Boys

by: Conn and Hal Iggulden

Published by: Collins

Reviewed by Bob Pike CSP, CPAE

This isn’t a dangerous book for boys. It is a required book for both boys and men. Older men will be reminded of the things we all learned as boys and have perhaps forgotten, like how to tie the five basic knots, how to make a tree house or a bow and arrow, Morse code and the naval flag codes. But there is also much to delight both young and old besides what we might remember.

The illustrations of the seven wonders of the ancient world are breathtaking. The description of some of the most famous battles of history and the reasons for the successes and failures are compelling. The list of things every boy should carry in his pocket is fascinating. This book is a must-have resource for any family. Hours can be spent just meandering through the pages marveling at the useful bits of information it contains.

Questions about the world are answered (Why is it hotter at the equator than at the poles? Why does the sun shine 24 hours a day at the poles?) Interesting projects abound within the book’s pages (How do you make paper airplanes? Water bombs? Paper boats?) Fascinating bits of information crop up at every turn of the page: The Navajo Code Talker’s Dictionary, Understanding English grammar, and Basic First Aid.

Then there are the extraordinary stories: Robert Scott and the North Pole, The Wright Brothers and their First Flight, and many others. And don’t forget the many projects: building a battery, making crystals, building a tree house and more.

You can also get wrapped up in Shakespeare and an assortment of inspirational poems every young man should know, and 34 books every boy should read—along with wonderful descriptions of the seven wonders of the modern world.

Fascinating, well written, broad enough to capture every boy’s interest, yet with enough depth to be able to actually do things.

Armchair Interviews says: This book belongs on every boy’s bookshelf (and Dad’s too)!