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Boomtown #1
Boomtown
Imagine a place where everyone's favorite thing to do is blow stuff up . . . that's Boomtown.
This is a humerous mystery and adventure story that kids (especially boys) will love to read! Boomtown is the home of Chang's Famous Fireworks factory, the Slush Olympics, the "Fighting Slugs" football team, rocket reindeer, and flying barber chairs. Boomtown is a humorous tall tale about a fictional town and its odd residents, written to capture the attention and inspire the imagination of intermediate readers. It's a fun read. However, underneath the humorous veneer, Boomtown asks and answers the question, "What does a healthy community look like?" The main characters struggle as they learn to trust their neighbors.
Visit the Web site www.visitboomtown.com for more information on the book, author, free teacher guides, and more! But stay away from the chickens!
This is a humerous mystery and adventure story that kids (especially boys) will love to read! Boomtown is the home of Chang's Famous Fireworks factory, the Slush Olympics, the "Fighting Slugs" football team, rocket reindeer, and flying barber chairs. Boomtown is a humorous tall tale about a fictional town and its odd residents, written to capture the attention and inspire the imagination of intermediate readers. It's a fun read. However, underneath the humorous veneer, Boomtown asks and answers the question, "What does a healthy community look like?" The main characters struggle as they learn to trust their neighbors.
Visit the Web site www.visitboomtown.com for more information on the book, author, free teacher guides, and more! But stay away from the chickens!
323 pages, Hardcover
First published September 9, 2008
About the author
Nowen N. Particular
2 books6 followers(a.k.a. Marty Longe)
Nowen, the youngest of thirteen children, was born in 1959 in Boomtown, Washington.
The doctor told his father, Nobody, and his mother, Somebody, that due to his unusually small size at birth that it was unlikely he would survive past the age of 2. His parents kept him in a shoebox near the stove. They tucked him inside a wool sock to keep him warm. They fed him pure goat's milk from an eye dropper and when he was stronger, minced lima beans and creamed spinach.
Defying the odds, Nowen survived his second birthday and eventually entered kindergarten at the age of ten. Smaller than the other children, he compensated for his fragile size by talking too loud in class, interrupting the teacher frequently, and excelling at reading and fingerpainting.
One day, his second grade teacher called Nobody and Somebody into her office for a conference. She said, "I'm terribly sorry to have to tell you this, but according to our testing, Nowen is likely to grow up to become a writer or an artist - or both."
Nowen's mother cried for nearly three days until Nobody went to her and said, "Now, dear, you need to stop making such a fuss. At least the teacher didn't say he was going to be a politician."
She comforted herself with this knowledge and decided to make the best of it. After all, she had twelve other children who would probably graduate from college and get real jobs.
Time passed and Nowen managed to outgrow the frail and sickly condition of his early childhood. Somebody says it was the chicken livers she fed him every day. Nobody says it was the constant teasing he got from his twelve brothers and sisters. Others think Nowen was simply too obstinate to remain small.
As the teacher warned, Nowen grew up to become a writer and artist. He's gone ahead and surprised everyone with his other unexpected accomplishments: skydiver, Olympic athlete, mountain climber, marathon runner, musician, and world traveler to name a few. His circle of friends include famous actors, authors, poets, singers, entrepreneurs and yes, even politicians.Only time will tell what legacy Nowen will leave behind. In the meantime, he plans to continue his work on the Boomtown books, short stories , merchandise and movies.
Who knows where he'll turn up next?
Nowen, the youngest of thirteen children, was born in 1959 in Boomtown, Washington.
The doctor told his father, Nobody, and his mother, Somebody, that due to his unusually small size at birth that it was unlikely he would survive past the age of 2. His parents kept him in a shoebox near the stove. They tucked him inside a wool sock to keep him warm. They fed him pure goat's milk from an eye dropper and when he was stronger, minced lima beans and creamed spinach.
Defying the odds, Nowen survived his second birthday and eventually entered kindergarten at the age of ten. Smaller than the other children, he compensated for his fragile size by talking too loud in class, interrupting the teacher frequently, and excelling at reading and fingerpainting.
One day, his second grade teacher called Nobody and Somebody into her office for a conference. She said, "I'm terribly sorry to have to tell you this, but according to our testing, Nowen is likely to grow up to become a writer or an artist - or both."
Nowen's mother cried for nearly three days until Nobody went to her and said, "Now, dear, you need to stop making such a fuss. At least the teacher didn't say he was going to be a politician."
She comforted herself with this knowledge and decided to make the best of it. After all, she had twelve other children who would probably graduate from college and get real jobs.
Time passed and Nowen managed to outgrow the frail and sickly condition of his early childhood. Somebody says it was the chicken livers she fed him every day. Nobody says it was the constant teasing he got from his twelve brothers and sisters. Others think Nowen was simply too obstinate to remain small.
As the teacher warned, Nowen grew up to become a writer and artist. He's gone ahead and surprised everyone with his other unexpected accomplishments: skydiver, Olympic athlete, mountain climber, marathon runner, musician, and world traveler to name a few. His circle of friends include famous actors, authors, poets, singers, entrepreneurs and yes, even politicians.Only time will tell what legacy Nowen will leave behind. In the meantime, he plans to continue his work on the Boomtown books, short stories , merchandise and movies.
Who knows where he'll turn up next?
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 16, 2018
The book Boomtown is a historical fiction/ mystery book written by Nowen N. Particular. The story is that Boomtown is known for Chang's Famous Firework Factory. This is where some of the worlds finest fireworks are made. One day a bunch of mysterys are arising in the factory that deems to only be solved by Sheriff Burton Ernie. There are many unexplained robberies and witness many weird events including the Fourth of July Festival and slug football game. Its well uh meh I don't know what to say. One thing I can say is the intro and acknowledgement sections are parts I did not expect to be this good. In the intro, the narrator admits that the reader would skip it and got to the part where the hero fights the dragon. (spoiler alert there is none) He even says reading the intro is good for you but not fun. In the acknowledgements, the narrator explains better books have been made like Charlie in the Chocolate factory. Sometimes breaking the 4th wall can make things look tedious but here I think its used effectivley. Overall its a neat book but I feel the mystery aspects could have been used im bigger ways.
August 26, 2011
Do you remember reading books for kids? Stories that didn't have to make sense, characters slightly outside the realm of believability, grownups who were not quite like grownups in real life and were all the more interesting for it? Wouldn't it be great if somebody wrote a story like that for grownups too?
Somebody did. Well, Nowen N. Particular did, at any rate.
Johnny Button's family moves to Boomtown, Washington, when his dad takes a ministerial position at one of the churches in town: a position that's already been held by 24 pastors in the last 75 years. All 24 predecessors have mysteriously died or vanished and Arthur, Johnny's father, begins to worry that he's next with all the crazy goings on in Boomtown. From a factory explosion to a Sunday morning miracle, you're never quite sure what's coming next.
I love this book. The puns, playing on words, and quirky characterizations keep you on your toes. You've got a sheriff named Burton Ernie who apologizes to the bank robber for being late with his arrest. You've got chickens laying exploding eggs, kids learning how to make gunpowder in school, and a town barber who used to be the town butcher (after he gave up being the town lumberjack).
The setting outshines the narrative, but I don't consider that a weakness. Put down your scholarly glasses and your cynical mindset for a day or two and simply enjoy a book that is just plain fun.
Somebody did. Well, Nowen N. Particular did, at any rate.
Johnny Button's family moves to Boomtown, Washington, when his dad takes a ministerial position at one of the churches in town: a position that's already been held by 24 pastors in the last 75 years. All 24 predecessors have mysteriously died or vanished and Arthur, Johnny's father, begins to worry that he's next with all the crazy goings on in Boomtown. From a factory explosion to a Sunday morning miracle, you're never quite sure what's coming next.
I love this book. The puns, playing on words, and quirky characterizations keep you on your toes. You've got a sheriff named Burton Ernie who apologizes to the bank robber for being late with his arrest. You've got chickens laying exploding eggs, kids learning how to make gunpowder in school, and a town barber who used to be the town butcher (after he gave up being the town lumberjack).
The setting outshines the narrative, but I don't consider that a weakness. Put down your scholarly glasses and your cynical mindset for a day or two and simply enjoy a book that is just plain fun.
September 23, 2008
A quirky little YA book that is part mystery, part historical fiction, part just plain wacky. I got it at a Christian bookstore, but it is not really a Christian book, unless you consider 7th Heaven a Christian TV show. The protagonist is a pastor, but there is nothing overtly Christian about the story.
June 27, 2018
Funny reading ,enjoyable tome
I liked this light and strange trip through boomtown. Was exciting and noise filled with attempts on the reverend life.
I liked this light and strange trip through boomtown. Was exciting and noise filled with attempts on the reverend life.
June 6, 2020
This is a kids book. Probably appeal to ages 9-10? Not sure what this reading level would be. It's quite an adventure and a lot of fun.
February 6, 2026
We used this as a read-aloud to my multi-age family and laughed...so...much!!!
December 23, 2008
I don't know if you caught the author's name or not, but the whole book is like that, full of jokes and puns interwoven into this amazingly unusual storyline. For instance, the pastor's family moves into town and are getting introduced to different people in town. See if you can catch two funny parts about this : "We were introduced to the town sheriff, Burton Ernie, and his charming wife, Laverne. We met Vera DeFazio, the song leader for that morning," ... Did you catch it? You have to read it out loud and think of Sesame Street to get one and then skip a couple words in between and think about an old comedy about 2 best friends to get the other one. I figure the book is packed with a bunch of stuff like this and I only caught some of it. That part just tickled my funnybone.
The storyline had me laughing out loud. Here is a town where the worse things go for the straight laced pastor and his family, the more the town loves him. The high school football team (40 year losing streak and the mascot - Stickville Slugs) is a riot, the fireworks factory blows up the day the pastor arrives in town (thanks to his kids), the 24 previous pastors at his new church have all met untimely demises and now Pastor Arthur Button is scared to death that he is next! Bicycle Slushathons, Exploding Elves, Rocket Reindeer, Baseball Bazookas, Hen Grenades and flying barber chairs and a mystery that ties it all together... this book is packed from page 1 to the end. I had a blast with it and look forward to the next one. I think this would make a good read aloud for the family or tweens and teens would have a blast with it too. If you like the unusual - pick this one up!
The storyline had me laughing out loud. Here is a town where the worse things go for the straight laced pastor and his family, the more the town loves him. The high school football team (40 year losing streak and the mascot - Stickville Slugs) is a riot, the fireworks factory blows up the day the pastor arrives in town (thanks to his kids), the 24 previous pastors at his new church have all met untimely demises and now Pastor Arthur Button is scared to death that he is next! Bicycle Slushathons, Exploding Elves, Rocket Reindeer, Baseball Bazookas, Hen Grenades and flying barber chairs and a mystery that ties it all together... this book is packed from page 1 to the end. I had a blast with it and look forward to the next one. I think this would make a good read aloud for the family or tweens and teens would have a blast with it too. If you like the unusual - pick this one up!
December 29, 2008
Boomtown tells the story of Reverend Arthur Button and his family as they settle into life in Boomtown, Washington. A life that Rev. Button was NOT prepared for! But one he's determined to keep after hearing that all 24 of his predecessors at Boomtown Church have died in bizarre mishaps.
I read this book aloud with my 5 year old son expecting lots or word play, puns, adventures and wacky characters. Our expectations were not disappointed. Only in Boomtown will you find a sheriff named Burton Ernie, fireworks at every holiday, and townspeople filled with grace and forgiveness.
My son has thoroughly enjoyed the adventures of Rev. Button and his family. I think boys of all ages, especially tweens, will enjoy the fun spirit of Boomtown's residents.
[Spoiler Alert] Before handing this book to your tween son you should be aware that one chapter deals with a baby, born to young unmarried parents, who is left on the Buttons' doorstep. I was unprepared for this subplot in a book about exploding hen grenades and rocket Santas. The author handles the topic with grace but the resulting conversation I had with my son about adoption was not one I had expected when I started the book. Also, the baby's parents are of different races (in a book set in 1950 when such a thing was a big deal) which went unnoticed by my five year old but could raise questions with a tween.
Overall Boomtown is a fun and interesting story best read as a family with an awareness of potential for deeper parent-child discussions.
I read this book aloud with my 5 year old son expecting lots or word play, puns, adventures and wacky characters. Our expectations were not disappointed. Only in Boomtown will you find a sheriff named Burton Ernie, fireworks at every holiday, and townspeople filled with grace and forgiveness.
My son has thoroughly enjoyed the adventures of Rev. Button and his family. I think boys of all ages, especially tweens, will enjoy the fun spirit of Boomtown's residents.
[Spoiler Alert] Before handing this book to your tween son you should be aware that one chapter deals with a baby, born to young unmarried parents, who is left on the Buttons' doorstep. I was unprepared for this subplot in a book about exploding hen grenades and rocket Santas. The author handles the topic with grace but the resulting conversation I had with my son about adoption was not one I had expected when I started the book. Also, the baby's parents are of different races (in a book set in 1950 when such a thing was a big deal) which went unnoticed by my five year old but could raise questions with a tween.
Overall Boomtown is a fun and interesting story best read as a family with an awareness of potential for deeper parent-child discussions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2009
In 1949, Reverend Arthur Button moves his family from California to Boomtown, Washington, the home of Chang’s Famous Fireworks Factory. Boomtown is an idyllic mid-century town where everyone is accepted, everyone (regardless of age) is expected to have fun, imagination is encouraged, outrageous inventions reign, and fireworks are used at every town celebration. Overall, Boomtown is a fun read, especially for boys.
Written in the first-person voice of Rev. Button, the book is presented as his recollection of his family’s adventures, the extraordinary (and kooky) townspeople, and his struggle to be comfortable in a highly energized community. In addition to telling a tall tale, the author weaves in lessons on acceptance, trust, history, scientific discovery, and invention. Hopefully, their playful presentation will encourage young readers to explore some of the topics further.
Even though Boomtown is a fictional town, the book is presented as an authentic account with a map, pictures of people and momentous events, flyers, and invention schematics. These items look authentic, right down to aged corners and coffee stains. The illusion almost works. Just as the illusion begins in the very first pages of the book, it is broken by the placement of the acknowledgements in which the author names his kids between the table of contents and the introduction in which Rev. Button names his kids – not the same kids. The story also includes a few historical inaccuracies (e.g., slaves arriving in America from South Africa) that are distracting.
Written in the first-person voice of Rev. Button, the book is presented as his recollection of his family’s adventures, the extraordinary (and kooky) townspeople, and his struggle to be comfortable in a highly energized community. In addition to telling a tall tale, the author weaves in lessons on acceptance, trust, history, scientific discovery, and invention. Hopefully, their playful presentation will encourage young readers to explore some of the topics further.
Even though Boomtown is a fictional town, the book is presented as an authentic account with a map, pictures of people and momentous events, flyers, and invention schematics. These items look authentic, right down to aged corners and coffee stains. The illusion almost works. Just as the illusion begins in the very first pages of the book, it is broken by the placement of the acknowledgements in which the author names his kids between the table of contents and the introduction in which Rev. Button names his kids – not the same kids. The story also includes a few historical inaccuracies (e.g., slaves arriving in America from South Africa) that are distracting.
January 28, 2009
Boomtown is a fun story, overall. Zany and goofy characters and plot twists abound, and in general I like that in a book. It may be a tad too colorful and crazy, but I can forgive that. Clearly, the author was influenced in some respects by one of my favorite children's books, the Twenty-One Balloons.
In spite of these positives, it's supposed to be a story for tween readers, and I am struggling to see how they will connect with a story told by a forty-something minister narrator. He was hard for ME to relate to. In general, he seemed weak and ineffective as a father, and not especially pastoral. Actually, the church/pastor angle bothered me quite a bit, I would have rather him have another profession than have the church seem to be just another civic organization or gathering as it appeared in this book.
The main mystery of the story is overshadowed by descriptions of the town (and its peculiarities.) Developing that part more, particularly the involvement of one of the characters, would have added a great deal to the story.
Boomtown is clean and fun. If some of the plots of the novels aimed at this age group are of concern to a parent, this book might be enjoyed by child and appreciated by grown-ups for its lack of questionable content (other than pyromania.) I wish I could give it a more glowing review.
In spite of these positives, it's supposed to be a story for tween readers, and I am struggling to see how they will connect with a story told by a forty-something minister narrator. He was hard for ME to relate to. In general, he seemed weak and ineffective as a father, and not especially pastoral. Actually, the church/pastor angle bothered me quite a bit, I would have rather him have another profession than have the church seem to be just another civic organization or gathering as it appeared in this book.
The main mystery of the story is overshadowed by descriptions of the town (and its peculiarities.) Developing that part more, particularly the involvement of one of the characters, would have added a great deal to the story.
Boomtown is clean and fun. If some of the plots of the novels aimed at this age group are of concern to a parent, this book might be enjoyed by child and appreciated by grown-ups for its lack of questionable content (other than pyromania.) I wish I could give it a more glowing review.
June 20, 2011
Boomtown is a fun and fanciful book much like a "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", except with explosions. It is full of odd characters (Sheriff Burton Ernie)and Walt the grumpy barber. There are fun places, Chang's Famous Fireworks Factory, Mabel's Diner (Bad Coffee / Worse Service) and a museum in a house that is a steam powered, totally automated wonder.
The school has a losing football team The Stickville Slugs, the Welcome Wagon brings you a big box of fireworks, chickens lay exploding eggs (Hen Grenades), Christmas has exploding elves and the Spring Fever Festival and Slush Olympics often involves explosions. Mix in mysterious thefts and Reverend Button's six near death experiences and you are in for a ton of fun!
The school has a losing football team The Stickville Slugs, the Welcome Wagon brings you a big box of fireworks, chickens lay exploding eggs (Hen Grenades), Christmas has exploding elves and the Spring Fever Festival and Slush Olympics often involves explosions. Mix in mysterious thefts and Reverend Button's six near death experiences and you are in for a ton of fun!
June 13, 2012
This book is one that you will like to read over, and over again! It is about a pastor that moves from the big city, to Boomtown (A town that revolves around explosives.). After a while, things start disappearing, the new pastor nearly gets killed several times (I will spare you how. Just read the book.). I love this story, because it is really different. I mean, with all these depressing books about drama, and vampires, it is really relieving to see a book that is lighthearted, funny, and has an actually GOOD plot line. I like the whimsical happenings, such as the barber chair incident. I give this book a five for originality.
March 2, 2010
ot bad, but really could have been better. An interesting concept: new family in new town, and the new town is quite eccentric. But the author left his pulpit showing. He informs in the introduction that one of his purposes is to promote diversity (something I support wholeheartedly) then proceeds to beat you over the head with it for 352 pp. Perhaps it will be mellowed out in forthcoming sequels, but for now its just too much. Our kids are smart enough not to need too heavy of a pounding on this and other issues.
January 11, 2016
This is one of the FUNNIEST books I have ever read. It is appropriate for intermediate-level kids, but teens LOVE this book! I read this with a few low-readers in an English 9 class, and it was the first novel unit they had finished in many years. Then they recommended it to anyone who asked about it. We are requesting class sets for next year because nobody yet has said, "It was okay." So. Much. FUN.
Tip: if you want to get a 12-15 YO boy to read a piece of fiction, give him this book. Just be forewarned that he might tell you ALL about it. And want to blow something up!
Tip: if you want to get a 12-15 YO boy to read a piece of fiction, give him this book. Just be forewarned that he might tell you ALL about it. And want to blow something up!
February 21, 2016
Living near a town with an annual festival for tellers of tall tales, this was just what a hoped for, a fun read. Also fun to share with my youngest son. Plus, quietly told a message about how people should ideally treat each other. Enough excitement to keep even most reluctant young readers involved.
Want to Read
October 7, 2008Just picked up this book from the author. Looking forward to reading it.
May 19, 2011
This book is crazy but I liked it. I reccomend it, but be warned, it's long. For a kids book.
April 7, 2016
Funny book about a preacher family's adventures in a new town.
October 15, 2013
This book was a hoot. I loved the illustrations. I wished I could visit Boomtown, especially the museum. If you want a humorous read this is the book for you.
October 29, 2013
Very interesting and fun. A pretty short read, more of a children's book but very good!
July 9, 2025
This was our favorite read aloud when our kids were young. We would sit around the supper table long after the meal was over or lay in bed and laugh and laugh. Priceless.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews