General Butterfingers: A Humorous Story About WWII Heroes, a Boy, and the Fight for Justice

by John Reynolds Gardiner, Cat Bowman Smith (Illustrator)

Eleven-year-old Walter can’t believe his eyes when he sees the eviction notice from Ralph, the rotten nephew of his old friend, General Britt. It isn’t so bad for Walter and his mother, who also lives there—she would have no trouble finding another housekeeping job to support them both. But what about the old soldiers, the last surviving members of the crack World War II rescue force called the Spitzers, who saved the general’s life more than forty years before?
This warmly humorous novel shows two very different generations banding together to outwit a cunning adversary in order to see justice and honor prevail!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Fiction, Juvenile

96 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1993

About the author

John Reynolds Gardiner was an American author and engineer. Born in Los Angeles, California, he earned his master's degree from UCLA. He was a successful engineer before working on his first children's book. Always creative, in his younger years he ran Num Num Novelties, home to such originals as the aquarium tie. He lived in West Germany and Central America, and taught writing workshops around the world. In Idaho he heard of a legend on which he based his first book, Stone Fox. Gardiner also edited children's stories for television. He lived out his final years with his wife, Gloria, in California and died of complications from pancreatitis at a hospital in Anaheim, California. He is survived by three daughters, Carrie, Alicia, and Danielle.

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

"No more fighting for us." ~ Major Maddock

Yes, the Major and his old war buddies/companions, Corporal Kimball and Private Patterson, are too elderly for fighting. They expect to live out the rest of their days in the house left to them by their pal, the late General Britt. But now, Britt's weaselly nephew claims the house belongs to him. And he wants them out - by Saturday!

Young Walter, whose mother is the housekeeper, lives in the house with the former soldiers, and helps look after them. As he's more than a wee bit clumsy, Walter is affectionately known as "Butterfingers" by the men. He's outraged at the thought of these heroes losing their home and is determined to do something to prevent that from happening. Soon these brave men and one youngster will team up for one more fight . . . the battle to save not just their home, but their dignity and independence, as well.

This is an outstanding book for young people. It's both hilarious and touching, as this scene where Walter and the soldiers visit a Veteran's Hospital shows:

I tried not to stare as we passed the beds, even though I could tell that people in those beds were looking at us. I tried to imagine how these men must have looked in their uniforms, how proud they must have been. I wondered if anyone ever thought of making uniformed pajamas.



I should also mention the ink wash illustrations by Cat Bowman Smith. There's one on almost every page and they're terrific. I particularly enjoyed the drawing of Private Patterson's wheelchair tricked out with trashcans into a makeshift tank. Primo!

This is a great book for kids of all ages, and a sneaky, yet perfect way of teaching the young'uns about the sacrifices others have made.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ stars -- I absolutely loved this wonderful story of an 11-year-old boy who will not give up a fight for the friends who are really family to him. Three veterans - Major Maddock, Corporal Kimball, & Private Patterson - all live with Mrs. Wilson and her son, Walter. They are able to live together because General L. R. Britt left a house and the services of his housekeeper (Mrs. Wilson) when he died a month prior to the start of this story. This, however, was just a promise because no Last Will & Testament is found. So, a month later, the General's nephew claims rights and gives them 30 days to get out. And that's when the struggle/fun begins! :P

[Katharyn Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so fun! I especially liked the perseverance the boy shows as he tries to save his friends. This is a great multigenerational story and a really quick, fun read.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually review books this short, but this was a heartwarming story that values veterans, the elderly, and ingenious, persistent kids. Highly recommend as a short and speedy read-aloud.

[Emily Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of our favorite read alouds this year! It had both my daughter and I laughing out loud. If you're going through Core E with Sonlight, it's not one to miss.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable but a little outlandish (but my son, 10, loved it) story of friendship and teamwork.

[Renee Haug · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with my daughter as part of her 4th grade curriculum. We both enjoyed it immensely. It was funny and a good reminder to spend time listening to older people

[Robyn Klepfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

All 4 of my kids and I enjoyed this book. We giggled and even had some moments of "aw how sweet!"... Such a great family read!

[Jessica Kirsch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet, short story, showing beautiful relationships between a child and some elderly men. Last scene was quite amusing.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

General Butterfingers is a children’s book that I love. My copy is rather dog-eared, and it is a hardback.

In General Butterfingers, an eleven-year-old boy helps keep his aging war veteran friends from being evicted from their home. It has all the ingredients of a great children’s book: a young hero, fun supporting characters, an entertaining villain, intrigue, and victory. I heartily recommend this book along with Gardiner’s other works.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I liked about the story was the mutual respect and friendship between the boy and the 3 old veterans whom his mother looked after. The ending was a bit off the wall, but amusing. Nice read.

[Doodle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favorites of childhood, so much so that I remembered the name of it 20 yrs later and bought it on eBay.

[Lillian]

It has been a long time, but I remember it being funny. I also got it signed by the author years ago.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read aloud to the kids. Good to see a kid loving older people.

[AJones]

Super quick, read with the kids in less than 2 hours. Funny, with lessons of friendship, loyalty, and honesty.