“A small gem from an award-winning author…The book’s momentum is sustained by the author’s wonderful use of vernacular and the friendship / tension between the boys.” (School Library Journal)
“Elements of tall tale abound, and the language is fast and funny.” (Booklist)
“Set on the western frontier of the US in the time of horse-and-buggies, the story has a light tone and is often humorous, thanks to exaggeration, but it packs a wallop of exciting adventures and plot twists. Readers will recognize the extent, as Possum does, of Billy’s character flaws, but they’ll still like him. A good read-aloud selection that may lead to discussion about likable rogues.” (Kirkus Reviews)