The Boy Mechanic: 200 Classic Things to Build

I almost didn't get this book because of the negative reviews but then I saw it at the library and found it is a very good book for kids who like to build things. Sure it doesn't always give detailed plans (buy 5 #3 screws...) but they assume a kid who gets this book likes to tinker and try things and work some stuff out for himself. There are two kinds of pride in building things - one kind you get by following instructions to the letter and getting an exact replica of what the instructor has, the other is from using your ingenuity a bit and adding your own personal touch - figuring out how somebody else did something and making one of your own. That second is what users of this book will have if they do the projects in this book. It tells enough to get you started - an idea for a cool gadget like a hidden lock, so you can play around with that new idea and use it when you have a need. Personally I think the ideas in this book are wonderful and creative - from homemade boats to all the different types of camping shelters to the writing desks and secret hiding places. Lots of kids (and adults) would love this book!

Bought as a holiday gift for my dad, interesting and informative. I read it when I visit.

As a kid my dad gave am Popular Mechanics compilation from the 30's. They had projects that were amazing and challenging. My dad and I a ball building stuff out of this old book. This is the same sort of book.

I found a lot of interesting things in this book. I think it is a great reference for any parent that has boys and enjoys spending time with them with projects that capture their attention and curiosity.

This is a wonderful look back into the pages of Popular Mechanics Magazine as it was in the early 1900s. It consists of reprints of how-to articles for boys. (Back then, girls just didn't read Popular Mechanics or get their hands dirty building furniture.) The striking thing is the difference between what was considered appropriate and realistic entertainment for kids then and what is now. For example, today a kid who wants to build a model train layout has an enormous range of often enormously expensive equipment from which to choose. Then, a kid would literally build the train layout; that is, he would wind the motor, machine the track, etc. I have have mixed feelings about whether that was a better day for kids, but it sure was a different day, and this book is a look back to it.