It's the summer of '69, but we're not talking Woodstock--we're talking kickball, Neil Armstrong, and the ice cream man. Our narrator, Tamara, has just finished the fifth grade. She's unhappy because her best friend has suddenly moved away and in her place a runty, mendacious boy nicknamed Muscle Man has moved in. Sadly, she takes her frustration out on poor Muscle Man, who smiles through all her bullying like a love-hungry puppy who doesn't know any better.

I think we're used to hearing stories like this from the perspective of the victim (Muscle Man) or the hero (which could be any of the other kids in the neighborhood--they're all very nice). That we hear it from Tamara, who is basically the villain, makes it interesting. The reader gets an inside look at why she's cruel and how she doesn't really see herself as cruel at all. I can't say I really enjoyed reading about a clueless mean kid, but it was a good idea and fairly well-executed.

There are a lot of what we call "issues" in this book: loss, death, bad parents, class differences. I think, though, that the issue that stood out to me is when and why it's sometimes better to lie than tell the truth. The book doesn't spell it out too overtly, which I liked. ( )

Narrated by Emily Bauer. As the world is on the verge of seeing men land on the moon, Tamara is enjoying summer kickball games on Ramble Street with the other kids...everyone that is except a new boy she's dubbed Muscle Man McGinty. She's fed up with his tall tales (see the book's title) and wants to prove him for the liar he is. When he willingly takes on all the kids in a kickball game, Tamara knows this is the big opportunity for him to finally admit he's a loser. Actually, more life-experienced eyes will realize Tamara is really the clueless one on the street; everyone else is aware that Muscle Man is recently orphaned. It's Muscle Man who tries to help Tamara when she's missing her best friend who moved away unexpectedly. On the night of the moonwalk, Tamara finally finds her way to be friends with Muscle Man. Emily Bauer voices Tamara as a bubbly and cheerful, if oblivious young girl. ( )

What a delightful book! While the world watches Neil Armstrong take his first step on the moon in 1969, the town of Massapequa Park grieves the loss of a young 18 year old man who will never return. When Tamara's brother's best friend Vinnie dies in the battlefield of Viet Nam, she learns to look at life differently.

A few months earlier, Douglas McGinty moved to town, residing in a home of a lovely woman who takes in foster children. Tamara's best friend was a foster child in this home, and she despises Douglas knowing he can never taken the place of her beloved friend.

Tough, insecure and ready to doubt everyone, she makes fun of this scrawny boy, whom she calls Muscle Man McGinty. Similar to the character of Dill in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. Muscle man tends to brag and exaggerate, leaving Tamara hopping mad.

A foster child, Muscle Man always tries to smile and be happy. As the story unfolds, Tamara learns that he recently lost both parents. Her recent loss of a friend who moved away and never told her, allows her to gradually relate to Muscle Man and his loss.

This is a wonderful story of small-town Americana in the late 1960's. It was a time when children safely played kick ball and waited for the Mr. Softee truck to deliver ice cream. While in the nation larger events are unfolding.

Highly recommended! ( )

What a funny and heartwarming read! I enjoyed this one, though I didn't find its characters to be totally sympathetic at times. However, the writing is strong as is the dialogue of the characters and I really enjoyed spending time with this family. A great one for middle school students! ( )

A completely different subject, but this story gave me the feeling of "The Miracles of Jamie" by Ray Bradbury - I felt again exactly what it was like to be 10, with a gang of friends, and unwavering rules for life. While the world is fully occupied with the Vietnam war and the moon mission, Tamara is tormented by the sudden departure of her best friend, and the irritating new kid who's taken her place.
I think a kid could who hates historical fiction could read this without having the time period intrude. I'd even try it with baseball fans. ( )