Sir John Hargrave's Mischief Maker's Manual

June 8, 2009
Fans of the Dangerous Book for Boys
should appreciate this detailed manual, complete with vintage-style illustrations on how to successfully pull off pranks. While adamant about safety—“If you have to ask a question about someone getting hurt, then you shouldn't be doing it”—the book offers ideas for making mischief that are frisky enough to get a rise out of their targets. Pranks include making a “Screaming Cabinet” (using the device from musical greeting cards), creating the “World's Largest Butt Photo” and faking an alien landing. What's most appealing, however, is the emphasis on being clever, creative and funny while making mischief. Ages 8–12.

July 1, 2009
Gr 7 Up-Though at first glance this handbook may seem like a tween/teen version of William Powells "The Anarchist Cookbook" (Barricade, 1990), its actually a lot more like Conn Iggulden and Hal Igguldens innocuous "The Dangerous Book for Boys" (Collins, 2007). While the focus is on how to execute perfect pranks, and while there is definitely an illicit feel to the book design, theres also strong emphasis on mischief-makers ethics as defined in a Pranksters Code, which is repeated throughout the book. Among its prescriptions: Always be careful; dont be a bully; do no lasting damage; and be funny. That last edict is a biggie. The book constantly emphasizes that, ultimately, pranks should be creative and harmless enough to be entertaining to parties on both sides of the equationeven if perpetrators have to return to the scene of their crimes to help clean up any lingering messes. While its destined to be devilishly attractive to reluctant readers, most of the pranks outlined are actually of the dribble-glass and Whoopie cushion variety. But some, like any worthwhile high jinks, could go awry and land pranksters in hot water. If that happens, the manual also provides tips on how to get out of trouble gracefully. Some techniques, like the Ping-Pong ball smoke bomb, may give some professionals pause, no matter how many safety guidelines accompany them."Jeffrey Hastings, Highlander Way Middle School, Howell, MI"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.