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Tumbleweed Thompson #1
The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson
For Eugene Appleton, the summer of 1876 in Rattlesnake Junction, Colorado promises to be just as sleepy as the ones before, his only excitement provided by the pulse-pounding Dead-Eye Dan adventure novels he devours. But Eugene s life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of Tumbleweed Thompson, a gangly, red-haired boy who spins yarns about whaling voyages in the Atlantic and hidden stashes of gunpowder. Drawn into Tumbleweed s orbit, Eugene soon finds himself chasing smugglers, firing rifles, and competing for the attention of the lovely Charlotte Scoggins. The pair s innocent mischief takes a serious turn when they stumble across a sinister plot hatched by the infamous Clean Shave Gang. Soon, Eugene and Tumbleweed are smack inside the middle of a twisty plot lifted from the pages of a Dead-Eye Dan book. They ve learned a lot from each other s friendship. But will it be enough to thwart the Clean Shave Gang s plans? The debut novel from Glenn McCarty, The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson is a wild and woolly tale that s classic Americana for a new generation.
336 pages, Paperback
Published January 18, 2019
54 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Glenn McCarty
7 books33 followersGlenn McCarty was raised in the shadow of Walt Disney World, and has never really grown up. It’s okay, though, because he writes imaginative stories for young people. He suspects this may be a competitive advantage, but he’s never been tested for it. He is not, however, an Animatronic robot. Only when dancing …
Glenn lives with his wife and children in a small town in Western New York that’s pretty much Mayberry. But without Don Knotts. Bummer. He also has a dog who likes to bark at people, then boldly run and hide from them. He is the author of The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson, a middle grade frontier adventure novel. He also proudly contributes to Story Warren, a website which partners with parents to nurture holy imagination in children through stories. For more information, visit glennmccarty.com/newsletter
Glenn lives with his wife and children in a small town in Western New York that’s pretty much Mayberry. But without Don Knotts. Bummer. He also has a dog who likes to bark at people, then boldly run and hide from them. He is the author of The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson, a middle grade frontier adventure novel. He also proudly contributes to Story Warren, a website which partners with parents to nurture holy imagination in children through stories. For more information, visit glennmccarty.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 30, 2024
I'd never heard of this book before, but someone recommended it to me and I must say I'm glad this one ended up on my desk. I’m torn between 4 and 5 stars, so we’ll call this one 4.5.
My first thought is this gives me Hardy Boy's vibes, but in the wild west of the 1800s and with two young boys who get into more misadventures than sanctioned ones. (Aptly titled.) It was a fun little read that truly felt like a summer adventure. We meet new friends from new places, grow closer to old chums, and learn new things about people we thought we knew. We explore our small town, ponder grand adventures on the frontier, and even get in over our heads in a few spots. It's a right good story with a classic feel and fun characters.
I liked how there were different sections in the book of "mini" adventures, so to speak, but that the whole summer still had an overarching adventure that developed as time went on. It gave the book an almost episodic feel with good stopping points if you wanted to make it a bedtime read.
I also really enjoyed the cast of characters. Eugene is a fun boy who wobbles between what he's always known and the adventure his heart longs for. He's loyal and true and it's fun to see him come into his own a little in this story. Tumbleweed is quite the character! He brings the pzazz and wow factor from out of town, but we also get to dig a little deeper into his character as the story goes on and we discover that perhaps there's more (or in some cases, less) beneath than he lets on.
I must also admit that I loved Wendell. He was a favorite! Speaking of adults, another reason I enjoyed this book is the portrayal of solid adult figures like Eugene's parents and the widow. We don't seem to get many positive portrayals of parental figures and adults in fiction at the moment--especially kid's fiction.
The illustrations are absolutely top notch, and definitely added to the experience for me. They're infrequent enough that they don't take you out of the story, but they add a sense of wonder and made me smile each time I came to one.
With a good, hearty adventure, classic characters, and a time which felt both simpler and wilder, The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson was a win in my book. I'd definitely recommend it to others.
Content: no swearing, no graphic violence (some good, old-fashioned western adventure, suspense, and action here and there), and brief mentions of a schoolkid crush. This book is a family friendly, wholesome story for all ages.
My first thought is this gives me Hardy Boy's vibes, but in the wild west of the 1800s and with two young boys who get into more misadventures than sanctioned ones. (Aptly titled.) It was a fun little read that truly felt like a summer adventure. We meet new friends from new places, grow closer to old chums, and learn new things about people we thought we knew. We explore our small town, ponder grand adventures on the frontier, and even get in over our heads in a few spots. It's a right good story with a classic feel and fun characters.
I liked how there were different sections in the book of "mini" adventures, so to speak, but that the whole summer still had an overarching adventure that developed as time went on. It gave the book an almost episodic feel with good stopping points if you wanted to make it a bedtime read.
I also really enjoyed the cast of characters. Eugene is a fun boy who wobbles between what he's always known and the adventure his heart longs for. He's loyal and true and it's fun to see him come into his own a little in this story. Tumbleweed is quite the character! He brings the pzazz and wow factor from out of town, but we also get to dig a little deeper into his character as the story goes on and we discover that perhaps there's more (or in some cases, less) beneath than he lets on.
I must also admit that I loved Wendell. He was a favorite! Speaking of adults, another reason I enjoyed this book is the portrayal of solid adult figures like Eugene's parents and the widow. We don't seem to get many positive portrayals of parental figures and adults in fiction at the moment--especially kid's fiction.
The illustrations are absolutely top notch, and definitely added to the experience for me. They're infrequent enough that they don't take you out of the story, but they add a sense of wonder and made me smile each time I came to one.
With a good, hearty adventure, classic characters, and a time which felt both simpler and wilder, The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson was a win in my book. I'd definitely recommend it to others.
Content: no swearing, no graphic violence (some good, old-fashioned western adventure, suspense, and action here and there), and brief mentions of a schoolkid crush. This book is a family friendly, wholesome story for all ages.
April 23, 2020
Just finished following along as the author, Glenn McCarty read it aloud these last few weeks. What a complete delight. Loved everything about this and highly recommend it. Especially if you are also learning about the late 1800s. 💕
February 17, 2019
So much fun! I read this aloud to my kids, and we couldn't put it down. Every night, they were asking to stay up late for "just one more chapter!"
McCarty tells a compelling story with relatable characters, and the subtlety in his humor is a delicious treat. The illustrations by Sutphin had my kids running over to "ooh" and "aah" again and again.
I have a feeling McCarty will be taking us back to Rattlesnake Junction in the future, and we're hoping he doesn't leave us waiting too long.
McCarty tells a compelling story with relatable characters, and the subtlety in his humor is a delicious treat. The illustrations by Sutphin had my kids running over to "ooh" and "aah" again and again.
I have a feeling McCarty will be taking us back to Rattlesnake Junction in the future, and we're hoping he doesn't leave us waiting too long.
April 13, 2022
I am so glad to have been introduced to Glenn McCarty's writing. This will not be the last we read of him! The plot was original, the characters believable, and it kept me entertained the whole time!
December 10, 2023
Glenn McCarty is one of the few writers I've come across that can use the word "reckon" in a book and not have it sound out of place.
But seriously, this was a fun read. It's more than suitable as a YA novel, but this 41 year old thoroughly enjoyed it. Fun, adventure, and suspense are packed into this book.
And it's well written, too. One of the issues I have with YA books is the author sometimes talks down to the reader because they're younger. This is written for readers of all ages, and shouldn't be pigeonholed as YA. It's intelligent enough that you get lost in the story, and not the word choices or other (bad) decisions that can plague books geared toward this age group.
A great read, one of my favorites of the year!
But seriously, this was a fun read. It's more than suitable as a YA novel, but this 41 year old thoroughly enjoyed it. Fun, adventure, and suspense are packed into this book.
And it's well written, too. One of the issues I have with YA books is the author sometimes talks down to the reader because they're younger. This is written for readers of all ages, and shouldn't be pigeonholed as YA. It's intelligent enough that you get lost in the story, and not the word choices or other (bad) decisions that can plague books geared toward this age group.
A great read, one of my favorites of the year!
March 21, 2025
Awesome story for families
This is such an entertaining story! We loved following the lovable characters as they faced challenges and dilemmas that shaped their moral character. The town the story is set in & the people of the community inspire nostalgia for simpler times. This story has everything a person wants in a good tale & is told in such a way that you can't put it down. It has inspired our family to create art, stories, a play and even an Umbrella of Justice! Everyone should read this book! You'll love it!
This is such an entertaining story! We loved following the lovable characters as they faced challenges and dilemmas that shaped their moral character. The town the story is set in & the people of the community inspire nostalgia for simpler times. This story has everything a person wants in a good tale & is told in such a way that you can't put it down. It has inspired our family to create art, stories, a play and even an Umbrella of Justice! Everyone should read this book! You'll love it!
September 19, 2019
McCarty's debut was a win for our family. The kids loved it, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
December 30, 2024
A couple of boys yearning for adventure in the Wild West team up to solve crimes and other mysteries. The premise appears unremarkable, but that’s where this warm slice of Americana pie will fool you. Like the classic adventure story of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, it is not necessarily the sum of its parts that proves noteworthy. Despite dynamite, scorpions, and thieves in author Glenn McCarty’s action-packed and, at times, comedic Western, it is in the quiet, mundane moments that the story truly shines. Set against one summer in the small town of Rattlesnake Junction, Colorado, we follow the likable Gene Appleton and his growing friendship with a mischievous “rambler” named Tumbleweed Thompson.
Between fishing barefoot by the creek, strumming banjos, and causing mishaps at finer functions, the boys have a keen sense of a much bigger world, personified by the wide vistas of the Colorado mountains just out of reach. Gene and Tumbleweed aim to participate in that view, throw a lasso around it, and conquer it, as any red-blooded youngster would.
But unlike Mark Twain's Tom and Huck, the boys are not opportunists, nor do they seek much mischief (though, from time to time, much mischief seeks them). Rather, the source of the pair's thirst for adventure comes from a unique and genuine desire to help others, particularly those who cannot help themselves, such as the town's widow.
With a love of justice as the theme, author Glenn McCarty redirects the boyhood archetype made famous by Twain. Tom Sawyer may have displayed innate goodness in saving Becky Thatcher, lost in a cave, and in his attempt to prove the wrongfully convicted Muff Potter innocent. But these were exceptions for an otherwise selfish individual, as lovable and forgivable as he was. This is what made Mark Twain’s characters human and relatable. It is also why we did not mind when Tom ended up with the treasure at the book’s end.
But in the dusty, windswept world of Rattlesnake Junction, McCarty sets out to prove that children are not solely driven to do good deeds just because they can get something out of it. Rather, it can be for someone else’s benefit, and not just as a surprise twist at the end, as is often the case in literature. Gene and Tumbleweed are aware throughout the story that they may not get anything tangible from their efforts to solve a big mystery concerning a train robbery. They may not even receive verbal praise. And yet, the pair presses on, dodging bullets clue after clue, aspiring to be heroic sheriffs in a town where there clearly isn’t one. The boys find a little more danger than they bargained for. But if you ask them, I think Gene and Tumbleweed would say it is a deal they’d gladly make again.
An absolute work of genius, “The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson,” by Glenn McCarty and illustrated by Joe Sutphin, is chock-full of Wild West action, gut-splitting humor, and a big dose of justice. Highly Recommended.
Between fishing barefoot by the creek, strumming banjos, and causing mishaps at finer functions, the boys have a keen sense of a much bigger world, personified by the wide vistas of the Colorado mountains just out of reach. Gene and Tumbleweed aim to participate in that view, throw a lasso around it, and conquer it, as any red-blooded youngster would.
But unlike Mark Twain's Tom and Huck, the boys are not opportunists, nor do they seek much mischief (though, from time to time, much mischief seeks them). Rather, the source of the pair's thirst for adventure comes from a unique and genuine desire to help others, particularly those who cannot help themselves, such as the town's widow.
With a love of justice as the theme, author Glenn McCarty redirects the boyhood archetype made famous by Twain. Tom Sawyer may have displayed innate goodness in saving Becky Thatcher, lost in a cave, and in his attempt to prove the wrongfully convicted Muff Potter innocent. But these were exceptions for an otherwise selfish individual, as lovable and forgivable as he was. This is what made Mark Twain’s characters human and relatable. It is also why we did not mind when Tom ended up with the treasure at the book’s end.
But in the dusty, windswept world of Rattlesnake Junction, McCarty sets out to prove that children are not solely driven to do good deeds just because they can get something out of it. Rather, it can be for someone else’s benefit, and not just as a surprise twist at the end, as is often the case in literature. Gene and Tumbleweed are aware throughout the story that they may not get anything tangible from their efforts to solve a big mystery concerning a train robbery. They may not even receive verbal praise. And yet, the pair presses on, dodging bullets clue after clue, aspiring to be heroic sheriffs in a town where there clearly isn’t one. The boys find a little more danger than they bargained for. But if you ask them, I think Gene and Tumbleweed would say it is a deal they’d gladly make again.
An absolute work of genius, “The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson,” by Glenn McCarty and illustrated by Joe Sutphin, is chock-full of Wild West action, gut-splitting humor, and a big dose of justice. Highly Recommended.
April 20, 2019
I supported this book via Kickstarter and so glad I did. It was such a fun middle grade fiction read that takes place in CO after the Civil War and before it was a state. It follows Eugene and Tumbleweed on some adventures one summer. This will make for a great summer read. It has the feel of Tom Sawyer and a bit of a mystery. I really enjoyed McCarty’s writing style. The illustrations by Joe Sutphin are fantastic! I hope we see more of Eugene and Tumblweed.
May 26, 2022
This was a delightful read both for me and for my 9 year old, one chapter was never enough. The story was quick moving and interesting with just the right amount of tension. The relationship between Tumbleweed, Eugene, and Charlotte was relatable. I was skeptical that a modern day western would be interesting to a child obsessed with LEGO and Star Wars, but he wanted to start the next book right away.
June 22, 2023
This book is exactly what it states…an adventure! It drew us in from the first chapter and captured both myself and my kids until the last page. We didn’t want to put it down! It reminds me of Jonathan Auxier’s writing—so much description and character development, with an ability to make you want to read just one more chapter. Before you know it, you’re finished and wishing you weren’t! Well done Glenn McCarty!
January 1, 2019
Cute book about a couple of boys getting into trouble one summer in Fictional Rattlesnake Junction. It reminded me a bit of Tom Sawyer & Huck Finn. The illustrations were a great touch. This book is an adolescent adventure complete with a mystery surrounding potential outlaws.
I received my copy of this book after backing it on Kickstarter. A fun read!
I received my copy of this book after backing it on Kickstarter. A fun read!
February 9, 2019
This book has a distinct western voice mixed with all the timeless adventures of 12-year-old boys. This story drew me in and held my attention, having me race to turn pages in the final chapters. It would be a great read aloud or a perfect summer read for boys looking for vicarious adventure. Highly recommend!
March 18, 2019
This was such a fun read! Reminded me at various points of Richard Peck's stories - quirky characters, and adventure around every turn. One of the very few instances I've seen of an adult advising a kid on what's right vs. wrong that comes across as genuinely caring and noble, rather than didactic and preachy. And the last page is *chef's kiss* perfect.
October 8, 2024
My kids enjoyed this book a lot more than I did. I couldn’t bring myself to want to read it for the first half, but then it certainly turned around. It is fast-paced and compelling, and the characters’ flaws are redeemed by the end. I do wish there hadn’t been so much attention on tween crushes, etc, but that is a minor complaint.
March 26, 2026
I read this book with my youngest daughter Nora, and it was delightful. It is a great before-bed read aloud. Nora enjoyed the high jinx the characters got up to. I liked that there were some lessons learned. Joe Sutphin is a favorite illustrator in our house, and his sporadic illustrations did not disappoint.
May 20, 2019
What kid would not want a friend like Tumbleweed. Full of big talk and adventure. He’s not the perfect friend. The pacing is a little slow for my taste but I did enjoy the story of friendship and adventure
December 14, 2019
This is a great book for 8 and up boys. I enjoyed it, but once is enough. My son is listening to the audio on loop. It has adventure, justice, mystery and friendship. It’s everything he’s looking for in a book right now. ❤️
February 24, 2025
Such a great middle grade novel. Full of fun, hi-jinx, and tomfoolery. Reminiscent of the friendship between Tom and Huck, but more wholesome. A fun, adventurous novel that all ages will enjoy with excellent illustrations by the talented Joe Sutphin!
August 30, 2025
A great read for middle grades. Light-hearted and fun, while also promoting upholding justice over personal convenience. If you like books from S. D. Smith, you'll probably enjoy this one. There are more books by this author in the Tumbleweed Thompson world, which I'll be checking out soon.
March 15, 2026
Just because something is written in modern times, don't mean it ain't a classic. I'd put this book right next to the greatest children's books ever written. For the homeschooling family, here is a must read.
July 31, 2019
This is definitely an engaging book, and I think the actual target audience of kids will love it. I was just asked to suspend my disbelief a few too many times (but I’m an adult reader, not a kid).
December 22, 2019
This is a fun “old timey” , as my girls would say, story with lots of twists and turns as the boys get into all kinds of mischief.
October 31, 2022
Great read, full of adventure, loyalty among friends and doing the right thing.
July 21, 2023
I really enjoyed this story! Tom Sawyeresque, but it is not the same!
September 25, 2023
A fun, Wild West, coming of age story for kids.
Read
February 9, 2026Dnf 35-45%
February 22, 2026
"This town's a little too quiet for my taste. Ever since me and Pa decided to hunker down here, I been looking for a fella with a thirst for adventure, ready to throw caution to the wind. A fella who's got the right stuff." ~The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson
Twelve-year-old Eugene Appleton is the son of a preacher in the sleepy frontier town of Rattlesnake Junction, Colorado. The most exciting part of his week is going to the general store to get Ma a bottle of molasses for her famous gingersnap cookies. That is, until Tumbleweed Thompson rolls into town.
Tumbleweed gives Eugene a taste of the adventure he's only ever read about in Dead-Eye Dan novels. Together, the pair gets up to all kinds of mischief. Looking for treasure, attempting to steal gunpowder, and trying to win an elite sharpshooting lesson. It's all fun and games until real villains show up in town. The Clean Shave Gang is up to no good, and Eugene and Tumbleweed may just be the only ones who can stop them.
The odd-couple dynamic between Eugene and Tumbleweed is thoroughly entertaining. Eugene's brains and caution contrast starkly with Tumbleweed's creativity and boldness. What's even better is how both of them grow over the course of the story. Eugene in particular turns from a timid, adventure-starved boy to a quick-witted young man taking risks for all the right reasons. His young love story with the mayor's daughter, Charlotte, is a sweet picture of "first crush," and Charlotte herself is resourceful and brave, a heroine in her own right rather than merely existing to inspire Eugene. And right from the start, I loved Wendell Jenkins, owner of the town barbershop with a mysterious past and a heart of gold.
Throughout the book, young readers will learn all about frontier life, and it's a period in history that is long overdue for us to revisit for kids. Pistols, dynamite, bandits, and unforgiving desert all make appearances in this historically accurate tale, making for one heck of a ride.
Tumbleweed is an exciting, heartwarming read for families. The illustrations by Joe Sutphin are charming, and the audiobook (narrated by the author) was highly enjoyable. Saddle up, readers!
Overall rating: ★★★★★
Worth reading?: Darn tootin'
Best parts:
- The character growth of Eugene is beautifully done.
- The climax of the book had me rolling with laughter and then fighting back tears!
Content concerns: No concerns for my family, but if yours is sensitive to guns or other wild west weaponry, keep in mind this book is historically accurate and doesn't shy away from their presence.
October 21, 2023
Great debut from McCarty! A great story to read aloud to the family, and definitely a story I'll be returning to. I love the combined wit, humor, and heart in this book. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews