Capitol Kid

Cap City Kids, #1

by Bill Gourgey

A homeless teen with nothing to lose... A crooked politician with everything to lose... What could possibly go wrong?

On the run from local drug dealers, a young hacker hides out in the U.S. Capitol and soon finds himself entangled in a dastardly political conspiracy.

From the shadows of the U.S. Capitol, can a runaway change his country?

When thirteen-year-old Boot doesn’t have the money to pay his mom’s drug dealer, he must flee or face certain death at the hands of the gang leader who rules his DC neighborhood. The glittering dome of the United States Capitol Building, which looks like the Emerald City of Oz from across the Anacostia River, seems like an ideal hide out until Boot discovers that the halls of Congress may not be all that different from the ruthless streets he fled. In Capitol Kid, a well-heeled politician at the pinnacle of power squares off with a savvy street urchin in a thrilling showdown that shakes Washington, DC.

A Rare View of the Gilded Halls of Congress

From the Senate Chamber's renowned Candy Desk to bizarre accounts of murder and intrigue in the halls of Congress, this book is peppered with eye-popping historical facts of one of our nation's most prominent landmarks: the U.S. Capitol Building.

You Won't Look At Your Smartphone the Same Way Ever Again

Is it really true that your phone's camera and mic can be hacked? Ever wonder if your IDs and passwords are safe? This book offers a chilling account of how readily available apps and black market devices can be used to spy on our every conversation and keystroke. It's fiction, but just barely.

This fast-paced book will make you laugh, cry, and will keep you on the edge of your seat!

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 3, 2015

About the author

A former IT consultant to Fortune 500 companies, critically acclaimed author Bill Gourgey has been praised by reviewers and readers for his entertaining and thought-provoking projections of modern science and technology. His books include the Glide Trilogy—winner of the Beverly Hills Book Award in Science Fiction, with more than six million reads on Wattpad—and his Cap City Kids young adult mystery-thriller series, which feature talented but disadvantaged teens who take on Washington, DC. Gourgey’s nonfiction has been published in WIRED. He is also the Managing Editor of Delmarva Review, a literary journal.

Gourgey is a graduate of Cornell University with degrees in Electrical Engineering and Materials Science, where he received numerous academic honors. He also earned an MA in Science Writing from Johns Hopkins University. He lives with his family in Washington, DC and on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Reviews

[Russ Kaminski · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. I teach eighth grade social studies and I'm planning on passing this book along to my students. They all visit DC in the spring, so they'll be able to recognize some of the historical references and landmarks.

That said, this is a very niche book. Boot is a history and computer nerd from the streets. Gourgey does the audience a favor by including a glossary of technical terms and references in the back, but I felt like I had to pull out a map of the city to avoid getting lost as Boot goes between buildings, rooms, and streets.

Boot is an interesting character. He's well-rounded and vulnerable. Not a superhero, but a kid trying his hardest. He smart in some ways and completely incompetent in others. He's makes a lot of mistakes and acknowledges them. But his mistakes are what drive the plot forward. Boot is constantly making bad decisions or oversights and then must try to fix them. Or, as he acknowledges again and again, he gets lucky. More than once, he gets saved from the mustache-twirling villains by a unexpected ally.

Young adults would probably enjoy this as a story of a kid from the streets taking on the man, but some might be turned off by the tech talk and historical terms, even with the explanations in the back. I'll give it to my students and see what they think.

[Debra Chapoton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun read about a super smart street kid (13 yrs old) who hides out from drug dealers by setting up his own private "suite" in the basement and tunnels of the US Capitol. He pilfers food, phones, electronics, etc., and thumbs his nose at the security goons who cannot catch him or find his hideout. Soon he's discovered some unsavory politicians who have "evil" plans for the US. With computer skills and street smarts he outwits the bad guys, but not before the reader gets an exciting look at Washington D.C. from a new perspective. Well written and worthy of praise as a tightly woven tale. A page turner. I'd love to see this as a movie.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gourgey has an absolute winner of a story. Imaginative story with highly creative characters to keep action going. Hard pressed to find adequate words to describe this readers enjoyment. Received as winner from Goodreads which has absolutely nothing to do with my review.

[Betsy and Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun fascinating page turner-couldn't put down!

What a great book! I couldn't put it down and didn't want it to end. Can't wait til the sequel.

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

Like Cory Doctorow but more deliberately edgy, more pretentious, and less good. I stopped reading after "LaQuota".

[Lena Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, fast, interesting read. The characters and plot were interesting.