Me and Billy

by James Lincoln Collier

Life at Deacon Smith’s Home for Waifs would be completely dreary if it weren’t for Possum’s best friend, Billy, who "thinks up lies faster than he can talk." When Billy hears that gold is hidden in the mountains, he escapes from the orphanage, taking Possum with him. The two runaways embark on a journey through the Western frontier in search of the gold. In the process, they get tangled up in a murder, spy on a lunatic, and barely manage to keep ahead of the law. Filled with colorful characters, plot twists, and dramatic scenery of the old west, this is an exciting new adventure story in the tradition of Huckleberry Finn.

Genres: Historical, Adventure

192 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2004

About the author

James Lincoln Collier (born June 27, 1928) is a journalist, author, and professional musician.

Collier's notable literary works include My Brother Sam Is Dead (1974), a Newbery Honor book that was also named a Notable Children's Book by the American Library Association and nominated for a National Book Award in 1975. He also wrote a children's book titled The Empty Mirror (2004), The Teddy Bear Habit (1967), about an insecure boy whose beatnik guitar teacher turns out to be a crook, and Rich and Famous (1975), sequel to The Teddy Bear Habit. His list of children's books also includes Chipper (2001), about a young boy in a gang. His writings for adults include numerous books on jazz, including biographies of Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington. He has also contributed entries on jazz-related subjects to the Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians.

In addition to his writing, Collier is an accomplished jazz musician who plays the trombone professionally.

Reviews

[Phoebe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Possum and Billy have been friends for their whole lives at the orphanage, even though Possum tends to stay on the straight and narrow, and Billy has a tendency to lie, steal, and cheat. When the cook tells the boys about a lake of gold somewhere in the mountains, they orchestrate an escape and head off for the adventure of their lives. A good adventure story by one of the masters of children's historical fiction, with some offbeat humor a la Gary Paulsen. Upper elementary.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could not get into this story. Was I expecting more development from such an established author? I think I was just disappointed in a predictable type of middle grade fiction plot. Both boys end up doing choosing the future closest to their values even though they were raised side-by-side in the same place. Didn't feel there was any explanation within the story for that.

[Devoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is a very good read. it puts an adventurus attatude to a seemingly dull book. the main character me (possum) is a normal boy but with no parents.I like this book be cous i ca n some what relate to it beacouse my mom died at age eight. so i can relate to his situation.

[Sheri Babbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting self discovery book. Recommend for young adult readers.