The Secret Hide-out

by John Lawrence Peterson

Two brothers, Matt and Sam Burns, discover the log book of the Viking Club, a kind of junior secret society of boys from a generation or so earlier. While Sam wants to skip the log's details and go straight to look for their old meeting place (the Secret Hide-Out), Matt wants to see if they can first pass the club's membership tests, as they are explained, and be worthy of going as prospective members... if the Hide-Out still exists. Another local boy called Beany joins them in their quest... and an original Viking Club member who learns of their plan prepares to meet them.

Genres: Fiction, Childrens

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1965

About the author

John Lawrence Peterson was an American author of children's books best known as the creator of The Littles.

Reviews

[Feliks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This modest little title is probably known to only a few people these days. But its really one of the most fun boys' books you could ask for. Its a slim, quick read; but has hand-drawn pictures; and just exudes a charming sense of mystery and secrecy. There's just something about it which seems timeless; and sticks in one's memory. What's more magical to a kid than a secret hiding spot? A clubhouse no one else knows about other than your best and closest pals? Little rituals and code-words and strategies? That's what this book is all about. Kids probably aren't allowed to play like this anymore, I reckon. Who would let their children wander off alone into some empty scrub-land, vacant property filled with bushes and woods and creeks; and just do whatever they want, completely unsupervised, on hot summer afternoons..? Build themselves a secret fort, make themselves spears, shields, and costumes? No way. This is actually how it was, though. Just like in this story. Its really grand.

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another old childhood book of mine that I had read many moons ago! Liked this and the sequel too :)

[Rodney Haydon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a favorite of mine when I was young. I also enjoyed John Peterson's sequel to this one, "Enemies of the Secret Hide-out". I liked that fact that it had the instructions for making the items in the back of the book. This was great fun to read in 2nd or 3rd grade.
Searching on the internet, I see that my friends and I were not the only ones that enjoyed this book and created our own chapters of the Viking Club.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d completely forgotten about this little gem, and the it shows up in my feed. I remember really, really liking this book as a kid. I’m pretty sure I made a paper bag lion mask too. I also felt like the ending was a little weird. But I don’t remember actually why, just that it made me feel a bit uncomfortable. I probably had this in 1st or 2nd or grade.

[Dustyloup · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's a very gendered story with enchanting retro illustrations. Some boys discover a secret club via a book they found in grandma's cellar - filled with initiation rites/ tasks they must accomplish in order to become full fledged members themselves. includes instructions on how to make your own spear, shield, lion mask and paper whistle...
I think I've been hanging on to my own copy all these years bc I wanted to actually make one/some of these items, but since I don't have an old broom lying around or a bushel basket lid (🤣), maybe I'll make the paper whistle and put it in the free little library

[David Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just remembered reading this book in the 80s as a kid. I thought club sounded like the coolest thing ever.

[Big Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a youngster, this book completely satisfied my infatuation with secret places and secret codes. Two things whose fascination has remained with me as an adult.

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a cute easy-to-read book about how a Dad manages to keep his two boys and his friend out of mischief. This is one of those children's stories with a huge unwritten backstory that is far more interesting than the actual book. For example, the book mentions that breaking a secret of the Secret Hide-Out club brings on the ultimate penalty. But what IS that penalty? It never says. We have to imagine it.



Another bizarre thing is that after the story there are "how-to" projects for kids. One is how to make a spear from an old broom. The instructions clearly state that no end of the broom should be sharpened because that would hurt someone. I have a feeling any kid reading that would whip out a knife and sharpen that sucker as soon as possible. What use is a spear without a pointy end, right?

Right?