For Boone Barnaby, there's big trouble in the little town of San Puerco, California. Boone's soccer team is accused of thuggery and thrown out of the league. Boone's father is arrested for burning down houses. The dogcatcher is after Boone's dog. A goose is attacking Boone's car. The town hoodlum is throwing rocks. The adult world doesn't seem fair, but with the help of his friends-Danny, from another planet, and Babcock, who talks to dragonflies-Boone tries to make things right and maybe learn just who he is and what he stands for. This rich novel of unforgettable characters both old and young manages to be funny, poignant, and real. It is Part One of the San Puerco Trilogy, loved by adults and children alike, about the adventures of three boys in a scrappy small town in the mountains, a town of cranks and dreamers-and adventurous children. "This warmly engaging story is resplendent with humor, irony, thoughtful introspection, and well-paced plotting." -School Library Journal.