Boys Will Be Boys

by James Patterson

A train ride home from a school field trip turns sinister when two kids spot a body on the tracks. A short story from Guys Thriller, edited by Jon Scieszka.

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, Short Stories, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Mystery, Thriller

26 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 20, 2011

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, Michael Crichton, and Viola Davis, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[Chelsea]

a short book about two kids on a train ride from a school trip. while on the way home. the two kids found a body on the tracks. while they were talking to the driver of the train. they spotted what appears to be a paralyzed person on the tracks. the train was not able to stop in time. and the ran over the person. the train conductor went out to investigate the damage when he realized it was only a mannequin.

[Laur]

Yes, but kind of pointless in this 19 minute audiobook. It didn’t feel finished.

[Monica Gearhart]

This was a very fast read, but I did not enjoy it.

[Jordan Wilson]

This was kinda pointless

[Genevieve Fair]

This was so lame lol

[Pink]

Just seemed too short to make the point it was really trying to make.

[Connor Waterman]

Boys Will Be Boys by James Patterson is about two friends named Fred and Will who get on a train to head to a school field trip. They notice to older kids get on that look sketchy and Fred overhears them talking about a prank they are about to pull off. They say it's going to be a big one and one kid keeps giving Fred a Death Stare. They then went to the driver section to ask the driver a question when they noticed a body on the tracks that looked like it was paralyzed. He told the driver and he stopped, but not in time. The train crushed it and they called 911 immediately the driver checked it out and it turned out to be a mannequin. Fred and Will saw two older kids at the back of the train leave over a ditch. The police asked them for information and Fred and Will told them everything. Soon after they got right back to the Field trip.

[RONI FIELDS-OWEN]

“Boys Will Be Boys,” a short story by James Patterson, was a refreshing departure from his usual mystery and thriller genre. This unique narrative showcased a different facet of the author’s storytelling prowess.

The plot was captivating, weaving a compelling tale that kept me engaged throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and believe it will resonate with readers as well.

Bronson Pinchot’s narration added to the overall experience. His exceptional portrayal of each character brought the story to life, making it an enjoyable listen. I highly recommend revisiting this captivating short story in the future.

#imronigirl

[Detta]

It wasn’t all that bad of a story. Not what I was expecting though. It read as if it were a scholastic book for older children )teens would be bored by it). This is actually a Segway to a website called guysread.com. The website invites readers to go to the website give suggestions on things they would like to read about. It’s a great way to learn of authors (from other stories written) as well as read some pretty interesting stuff.

[Michelle]

A short story about boys "acting like boys" in the way that buddies see something and have to decide if they want to say something about it or act like they don't know anything.In a way this could've been a "girls will be girls" story too.Aren't short stories great? They get right to the point but still give us a lot of things to think about.

[Eric]

I grabbed this thinking it would be a good short audio book while I waited for one of the other books I wanted to listen to, to become available. I totally misread the total time of the book. Now that I have read the description and notes on it I see it is more for kids or young adults. It was just too short for me. Oh well.

[Abigail]

This story was somewhat interesting, but didn't compel me until the incident happened. Then it was really compelling for about 5 minutes before tapering away again.

It was a weird quirk of timing that earlier in the day that I listened to this, I'd been looking at "passenger fatality on the railway" statistics for work. It made me feel oddly prescient.

[Lyn]

The story was simple and easy to follow. It was about two friends who chose to be "better boys" than their counterparts (the older, mean boys). But I felt that it was too weak to establish a more meaningful and influential take on the phrase "boys will be boys." I was hoping for a better ending.

Cheers!

[Cleta]

I'm a Mom, but...

I am a fan of James Patterson's and as a Mom and IEP Para Professional I like to encourage all of my "children" to read. For those who like a thrill that also provides a life lesson, this one is real good!

[Dajuroka Reads]

Hmm...not sure. Very short extract of larger work I gather. Teaching boys about bullying and being honest, at least I think that was the message. Not recommended really except for young preadolescent male.

[Crissy]

Ran across the audio version while looking for something to read. I am not sure it even qualifies as a short story when it was under 30 minutes, the book shots at least give me 3 hours.
It seemed just as it was getting started it was over.

[Everlynne Shakespeare]

It wasn’t horrible but it wasn’t the best of his books but nevertheless it wasn’t that bad at all. I’m glad this was the last book of the day. I wouldn’t read this again but it was interesting enough to read once.

[Kate]

It is not book. It only about 5 pages long

[Shannon Hayes]

Easy read for Tweens

[Tomi]

A very uninspiring short story. Boring. A disappointment from this author

[Elin Reigstad]

The story itself was far too short to be able to convey the message that it is trying to show

[Dave]

Terrible!

[Maggie Walsh]

Not a book, this is a short story and a fairly average one at that.

[Anna Nolley]

Very short story.

[Asher]

Cute story.

[Patricia]

This is a very, very, very short story.

[Mary LeMay]

What?

What the hell did I just read? Feel like a lot was missing. Don't understand. Is there something else going on?

[Don Barger]

Too short.

[Ellen Wolintz-Fields]

Glad I was not listening while on my usual train ride commute to work. I listened because it was by James Patterson - is it the same James Patterson ?

[Linda]

This is NOT THE James Patterson.
Very odd opinions…didn’t enjoy at all.