Herman Wouk's novel, written in 1948, introduces the reader to the life of the American middle class, described vividly and without embellishment. With gentle humor and a very kind author, the author talks about the adventures and experiences of teenagers living on the outskirts of New York. School, vacant lots near houses, summer camp - all this is very similar and at the same time different from our reality, but the thoughts and feelings of the children, their reaction to everyday events are undoubtedly close and understandable to our reader. If Mark Twain could read this book, it would have suited his heart. It also has a property that makes Wouk similar to Twain (in the broad sense of the word): his readership should not be limited to children; in my opinion, the writer will also be interesting to adults, especially to the parents of these children.