The Fantastical Adventures of the Invisible Boy

by Lloyd Alexander

A riotousy funny and deeply personal story of wonder, discovery and friendship, full of eccentric characters and fantastical adventures, by one of America's best-loved authors. When David falls ill his tough old Aunt Annie offers to tutor him, and he soon grows fond of The Gawgon, as he nicknames her because of her resemblance to the terrifyuing Gawgon Medusa of Greek myth. Together they embark on exciting imaginary adventures rescuing King Tut's treasure, scaling mountains and outwitting master criminals.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Juvenile

214 pages, Paperback

First published May 7, 2001

About the author

Lloyd Chudley Alexander was an influential American author of more than forty books, mostly fantasy novels for children and adolescents, as well as several adult books. His most famous contribution to the field of children's literature is the fantasy series The Chronicles of Prydain. The concluding book of the series, The High King , was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1969. Alexander's other books have also won the National Book Award and the American Book Award. He was also one of the creators of Cricket Magazine.

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now I have indeed and certainly very much enjoyed in particular the autobiographical bits and pieces of Lloyd Alexander's The Gawgon and the Boy and how young David (who is obviously supposed to represent the author as a youngster, as an eleven year old) after his first reluctance and even resentment comes to both appreciate the Gawgon (the Gorgon), his rather eccentric and unconventional Aunt Annie, who has been tasked with acting as David's tutor after a serious bout with pneumonia leaves him too physically weak to immediately return to school. For the Boy, for David does not at all enjoy school (and book learning) and would thus much rather he be able to spend his enforced and necessary time away from the classroom writing and illustrating his own imaginatively fantastical pirate-themed adventures than to be stuck at home having to learn from the Gawgon, from Aunt Annie, information and details regarding history, literature and philosophy.

However, David rather soon is both willing and able to change his mind and negative attitudes regarding the "lessons" he is being taught by his aunt, as the latter's, as the Gawgon's approach to both teaching and learning is revolutionary, is both truly novel and engaging, as unlike those teachers who simply recite dry and mundane facts and data that students are (that David is) supposed to then memorise and recite, Aunt Annie makes her subjects come alive and be of increasing and lasting interest even to and for the reluctant and recalcitrant student that David obviously tends to be, not only impressing but in fact also enchanting and invigorating him. And yes indeed, David also starts using both himself and Aunt Annie, as well as the historical, philosophical and literary scenarios being taught to him as characters and as episodes, as storylines in his beloved fantastical personal "pirate" writings (which actually also appear as a frame type of narrative as part of the novel itself, as part of The Gawgon and the Boy).

But kind of sadly, for me personally and from a general reading pleasure point of departure, while David's (while Lloyd Alexander as a young lad's) depicted and described fantastic pirate-themed tales (with both the Gawgon and himself starring as central characters in his imaginatively penned journeys) are an intriguing and enjoyable (readable) enough romp through history (as well as literature and philosophy) I have also found them rather annoyingly tedious at times and actually often quite frustratingly predicable in scope and feel, and so much so that I often ended up happily and rapidly skimming over them in order to get to those parts of The Gawgon and the Boy which I do tend (and have tended) to find truly outstanding and considerably more to my personal reading tastes, namely the realistic, often humorous, solidly forthright and seemingly historically accurate portrayals of David's (of Lloyd Alexanders's) often rather eccentric extended family (especially his grandmother's boarding house, and the realistically but always imaginatively featured and shown textual details of everyday life in early to mid 20th century Philadelphia, as I do feel there is a bit of a caesura between the Boy's inserted tales of fantasy and often mayhem and the main narrative of The Gawgon and the Boy with me definitely not enjoying David's stories all that much or at least not as much as the depictions of Philadelphia life during the first third of the 20th century until the beginning of the Great Depression).

[Mir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the final section, after the Depression hits and the family moves away from Philadelphia much less, but the rest was very good. Really liked the Gawgon and wish I'd had a teacher like that.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. I imagine child-me would have liked it even less. Sorry, but I can't articulate why. Intelligent, funny, interesting... but not for me. You know what it reminds me of, sorta, with all those weird adults? The House with a Clock in Its Walls. Maybe a few illustrations would help this.

[Libby Ames · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gawgon and The Boy doesn’t follow Lloyd Alexander’s usual pattern of larger-than-life characters and wild adventure. However, the main characters are equally as charming and more endearing in their realism. Being a teacher who longs to make a connection and truly reach my students, I loved the relationship between the Boy (David) and the Gawgon (Aunt Annie). I would be honored to be anyone’s ‘Gawgon.’

Eleven-year-old David is recovering from a deathly case of pneumonia and the family doctor recommends he stay out of school. To keep him out of trouble and into learning, Aunt Annie takes over as David’s tutor. Initially, David is afraid of Aunt Annie and dreads his upcoming lessons. It doesn’t take long for the Gawgon (David’s private nickname for Aunt Annie) to win her way into David’s heart. Soon, the fantastical stories David writes in his free time feature him and the Gawgon in a variety of wild adventures. They meet Napoleon, help Sherlock Holmes solve a mystery, and give Leonardo da Vinci inspiration for Mona Lisa’s smile. This heart-warming story illustrates the power of great teaching and the gift of an endless imagination.

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a strange book! The Gawgon and the Boy isn't up there with Lloyd Alexander's best, but it's not a waste of time. The relationship between the titular characters (David, a sickly 11-year old boy who hasn't been to school in several months, and The Gawgon, David's eccentric, fun-loving aunt) is a joy to read. But the book's construction was incredibly odd, alternating between the real world and David's fantasy stories. There was also some crude humor, surprising for this author. Overall, it's not bad, but it's not the first Alexander book I'd recommend.

[Bernadette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lloyd Alexander's The Gawgon and the Boy is a very interesting and cute story about boyhood, growing up, imagination, and education. Going into the story, I wasn't sure what I was going to think about it, but by the end my heart hurt from how simultaneously sad and happy it was. Much like how the Boy learns to leave behind the days of his imagined adventures with the Gawgon and go forward, bearing with him everything he learned from her, the reader also ends the book feeling that they must leave both Gawgon and Boy and go forward with the lessons Lloyd Alexander has taught them; it's a sad parting, but the future looks inviting and so we go.

The Gawgon and the Boy takes place in Depression-era America, which gives the story a very interesting quality. Since David is a child, he doesn't quite understand the concept and effects of the Depression, and Lloyd Alexander marvelously writes it so that the Depression seems really like a background event in the story of David's life. Young David gets very sick with pneumonia and is forced, much to his absolute delight, to stay out of school for the next few semesters. Much to his dismay, his mother, not wanting him to fall behind, has him visit his Aunt Annie three times a week for lessons. Playing off the word "Gorgon", David begins to mentally call her "the Gawgon", and starts to imagine the story of Perceus who must slay the Gawgon. However, he shortly learns that the lessons the Gawgon teaches are far more informative and far more exciting than any he had at school, and he changes the story so Perceus and the Gawgon become friends. When David accidentally calls his Aunt "the Gawgon" to her face, she laughs and says she likes it, choosing to call him "The Boy". So begins their many adventures together, as they meet Napoleon, aid Sherlock Holmes in solving a case, among many other quests.

This book was hard to put down. While uncertain what it was going to be like when I first picked it up, I soon was unable to put it down. Considering Lloyd Alexander himself grew up in this era and his father also ran a store selling exotic odds and ends, it has the vibes of being autobiographical. Because of this, the story feels personal and vulnerable, and the reader gets to experience it with the writer. It was an unexpected gem, and I really loved it. 5/5.

[Elevetha · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars?

I was honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. Coming-of-age stories are not usually high in my regard but this one hit different. I also famously don't generally care for "fantasy"/made-up stories/daydreams within the main book involving the characters, but again, Alexander pulled those off in this as well.

My biggest complaint perhaps was the ending felt weak, and that it was hard for me to decide what age-level or genre this really should be in. I honestly think it's best enjoyed as an adult, for all that it is technically "middle-grade", which I just don't LIKE. Middle-grade books should be heartily enjoyable for all ages, if properly written, but they shouldn't be best for adults.

Boo to David trying to peer down girl's shirts - really?! We didn't need to know, thanks!

[Catherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I made it to page 55, but I could not get into the storytelling in this book. There were some good lines, but I can’t find imagine a kid reading this.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is rather more bittersweet a tale than I had come to expect from Alexander, even though I know full well that he is capable of and quite willing to engage the full range of human emotion even in "children's" books. Having met him as a child myself, I am only too aware that he does not condescend merely because of youth. And perhaps such an approach might be expected in a semi-autobiographical story written so late in life, over sixty years removed from whatever events inspired it, and perhaps having grown closer at that point to identification with The Gawgon rather than The Boy. And for all that, I feel closer to the man having read it than I was ever able to even while spending a fanboy afternoon in his Drexel Hill home. This is not his best work, at all, yet I can't help loving it all the same. That is perhaps too personal to be useful as a review, but them's the facts.
[Edited for typos 2021-02-16]

[Miss Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tale about growing up and learning and the influence one person can have for another. It is about imagination and love for life and living a life without regrets. The Gawgon helps the Boy become who he is through her lessons with him the year that he is recovering from a major illness. She makes history come alive for him and helps him to learn the more important truths of life. It is not an action book, and is fairly uneventful, but very good read nonetheless.

[Kenya Starflight · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain, as well as his short story collection The Town Cats and Other Tales. He's a charming writer capable of weaving incredible fantasy and delightful whimsy. The Gawgon and the Boy definitely falls on the "whimsy" side of the scale, and I wouldn't call it his best. But it's still a cute tale about an inter-generational friendship and an unlikely education.

David isn't too disappointed to learn that his recent illness will keep him from returning to the school he loathes so much... but when he learns his Aunt Annie, whom the rest of the family calls "the Gawgon," is going to tutor him instead, he feels like his life is over. But the Gawgon, while stern, turns out to be the sort of teacher who makes the lessons come alive for David. So as his family rides out the storm of the stock market crash and the beginning of the Great Depression, David finds himself embarking on grand adventures with Napoleon, Leonardo Da Vinci, Sherlock Holmes... and the Gawgon herself. And thus a friendship is born.

This book can get a little scattered at times. David's lessons with the Gawgon take up a surprisingly small amount of the book, with the rest taken up with his family's antics and the stories David himself writes based on his lessons. I didn't mind reading his stories, seeing how his imagination had been shaped by the Gawgon, but I could have done without so many stories about his eccentric relatives and his father's business.

That said, this is a cute book. I enjoyed seeing the relationship between David and the Gawgon develop, and the stories he spun from their lessons and adventures were wildly creative and fun. If it doesn't have quite the wit of The Town Cats or the depth of The Prydian Chronicles... well, it's still cute.

While not Alexander's best, this is still a delightful read, one that celebrates history and literature and shows that they can be made interesting and not just dry facts.

[Juan Fernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fantastical Adventures of the Invisible Boy is a slim and emotionally rich novel, covering a short period in David’s childhood and his education at the hands of Aunt Annie — The Gawgon — the greatest role model in his life.

Despite its brevity, the book hits real emotional beats and is unexpectedly affecting — genuinely a tear-jerker in places. It has the shape and heart of what could be a wonderful film. The fantasy episodes involving Napoleon, Medusa and Sherlock Holmes are delightful, imaginative counterpoints to the harder realities of David’s world. They never feel escapist for their own sake; instead, they deepen the emotional truth of the story.

At its core, this is a novel rooted in loss and love. The real-life stories surrounding sad Uncle Will, drinking after an unhappy relationship, and Captain Jack, shell-shocked by the Great War, are handled with quiet restraint. And hovering over everything is Aunt Annie herself — eccentric, formative, unforgettable — and the pain of her passing.

The final lines capture the book perfectly:

“I’ll not be back. Don't forget me.”
“I won’t,” I said.
The Gawgon kept her word. She never came back. I kept mine. I never forgot.

So why four stars rather than five? Simply because I wanted more. There is so much richness here — so much depth still to explore — that the book feels like a perfect nugget of something that could have grown even further. That said, its restraint is also part of its power.

A beautiful, heartfelt novel with breathtaking potential — and one that lingers long after it ends.

[Rick Stuckwisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm very close to finishing my goal of reading all of Lloyd Alexander's books this year. This is one of the last he wrote, published in 2001, just six years before his death. It is quite different in character and style from any of his other books, although his command of language and his familiar "voice" our very much present and recognizable, as ever. His earliest books (for adults) were semi-autobiographical to varying degrees, but his numerous books for children, by and large, have not been. This one is an exception to that rule, as it is a fictionalized autobiography of sorts from his childhood years. It is gently (often wryly) humorous, as typical of Lloyd Alexander's writing, but also poignant and sweet. I can only suppose that as the author was nearing the end of his life, he was put into a reflective and nostalgic mood, and was caught up in reminiscence of his earliest years. The book interweaves the experiences of "David" (clearly Lloyd himself), especially in his relationship to one of his elderly aunts in the final year of her life, with an intermittent fictional narrative that "David" is writing (sometimes dreaming) in response to the events impacting his family along the way. It is a shame this book appears to be out of print, although used copies are relatively easy to come by. It is certainly worth reading.

[Rick Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

While recovering from illness in late-1920s Philadelphia, eleven-year-old David, is sent to his eccentric Aunt Annie, who he refers to as The Gawgon (his interpretation of the Gorgon from the myth of Perseus).

Interspersed with fantastical adventures that are plays on the works of Shakespeare, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Henry Wadwsorth Longfellow, along with historical figures and bits of mythology, David's imagination reinterprets the events surrounding him, as the beginnings of the Great Depression unfold.

Auntie Annie, the Gawgon, is just one eccentric element of an entire eccentric family, that are lovingly brought to life through David's eyes. This story has a lot of sadness in it, but a lot of hope as well, and David's imagination provides the bits of humor that help lighten the events taking place.

Just before I read this, I had filled out a survey somewhere that asked me to name some favorite authors, and Lloyd Alexander made the list on the strength of the Chronicles of Prydain, which I remember reading when I was a bit older than the main character in this book. When I sat down to read this, it occurred to me that it was going to be awkward if Alexander didn't live up to the nostalgic ideal I had of his writing. Turns out it was not an issue. This was as good as the works I remember Lloyd Alexander for.

[Librarian Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine you've had pneumonia and nearly died. It's going to take awhile for you to get your strength back and your immune system strong again, so the doctor says you shouldn't go back to school for awhile. How many of you think that would be great? David certainly does! He much prefers daydreaming wild adventures for himself than enduring school assignments. But of course, his mother doesn't want him to fall behind, so she arranges for him to be tutored by his great-aunt whom he thinks looks like Medusa. You know, the snake-haired lady--a gorgon. He really dreads his lessons with Aunt Annie, but he soon finds out she's the best teacher he's ever had. He actually starts to enjoy learning! He loves to write out the adventures that daydreams for himself, so a fair chunk of the book is reading the crazy stories he comes up with, which start to include the people and places that Aunt Annie is teaching him about. David has always felt like the invisible boy. What will happen when he has to go back to school? Will he still be invisible, lost in his own daydreams, loathing every moment he has to be in school? And he's missed nearly a year of school. What grade will they put him in? He's supposed to go into 6th grade, but they're talking about having him do 5th again.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not in my top 5 books by Lloyd Alexander it is still an enjoyable read. I especially liked how the complexity and vocabulary of The Boy's writing improved as he read and learned from The Gawgon. This is a natural progression to some extent in all children but it's very evident in this book when you compare The Boy's first stories about Sea Fox vs. his twist on Sherlock Holmes. The quantity and variety of vocabulary has exploded since his first stories. Teachers see this development as children learn but it's not usually a literary plot feature. Just a great reminder that the more a kid reads (or is read to) the more knowledgeable they can be. Maybe the kid will become an author someday. ;-)

[Lara Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe a book set at the start of the Great Depression wasn't the best choice during a pandemic. I mostly liked this book, but it was a little depressing. It's definitely no Prydain Chronicles.

However, as a homeschooling mom, seeing the protagonist educated in a non-traditional way, and loving it, was nice. There were lots of really interesting historical references that will be very useful to any kids reading the book. However, parents of young children should be aware that there are Santa Claus spoilers.

[Patricia]

When I saw this on the library shelf, I had to get it. Lloyd Alexander wrote such wonderful books. This one wasn't like the others though. It read like The Princess Bride, with the narrator being part of the book. The fantasies the boy lives would be hard for a young child to get, I think. It is hard to tell where the narrator story and the fantasy story change. It all weaves together, and I liked it in the end. I just don't think it's really written for children.

[Angela Tuson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story about an imaginative boy who, while convalescing from a long illness, has tutoring with an aunt instead of going back to school. Good choice - the aunt is a Real teacher, that is, she contextualizes and lets the boy discover and debate. Sweet aunt is a just the sort who should be teaching in schools.

[Harley Bennett · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not very interesting. I would not have read this as a child.

[Callie]

Love Lloyd Alexander. Picked this one up on a library ramble recently. Good little read.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about learning history in a fun way that you will remember. First impressions are also not the best. Someone that seems cold and scary can be your best friend.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly charming and touching tale of a young boy and the strong woman who teaches him how to live and love.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and enjoyable. Different from a lot of Alexander, but I found it fun.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

well thanks for making me feel things again, Lloyd Alexander😭

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book at a used book store a few weeks ago. I had never heard of it, but I love Lloyd Alexander, so I decided to give this book a try. It was a lot different than other fantasy books I read (mostly high fantasy), but I decided that wasn't a bad thing. I am always looking for something a little different, and was surprised that I really did like this book.

The plot was very entertaining and interesting despite its simplicity, easy to read, and moved at a great pace. David is an 11 year old boy who is recovering from a case of pneumonia, and his doctor recommends that he stay out of school. As a result, his parents end up finding a tutor for him who turns out to be his aunt Annie. At first, David is terrified of his aunt and even nicknames her the Gawgon, but after several weeks of spending time with her they develop a loving relationship. He even begins to love learning after being taught by his aunt and learns more than he ever did in school. In addition to his lessons, we get to see glimpses of daily life during the depression, and how it affected people of different social standings and economic conditions.

David loves telling and writing stories, has a great imagination, and hates school. I loved his character! He was well developed and with his vast imagination he was interesting. A good portion of the book is reading about his stories that he writes which mirror his life. They are very entertaining. I also loved how he changed throughout the book. He becomes more educated through his aunt's teachings, and learns how to deal with whatever life throws at you (no spoilers!). He also grows up a lot and becomes interested in girls and by the end of the book he finds a girl he likes.

I also loved Aunt Annie, aka the Gawgon! She is very interesting, funny, and definitely has a unique way of teaching. Seriously, on the first day of lessons she gives David a bunch of knots to untie! I loved how she approached her teachings and the lessons she taught. Annie really is a great teacher! I also enjoyed how well we got to know her as the story progressed including information about her son and the love of her life. It really is great to find a book where you love the plot and the characters!

I will admit that during a part of the book I did cry! It was very upsetting (no spoilers). I also didn't see it coming! :(

Overall, it was a great book and I really enjoyed it. I actually can't think of anything negative! :) It is a great book for anyone who loves a great story! Highly recommend!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, which may also be known under the title Fantastical Adventures of the Invisible Boy, is a thinly veiled portrait of the artist as a very young man, as he grew up in Philadelphia, USA during the Great Depression. As David approaches sixth grade, he nearly dies of an illness. The family doctor advises his parents not to send him back to school for a while, so he takes free tutoring from the terrible Aunt Annie, actually a distant cousin of his grandmother, whom he privately calls "The Gawgon" (based on another aunt's mispronunciation of "Gorgon"). The Gawgon, in return, calls him The Boy, with two capital initials, and they soon develop a surprisingly deep friendship that is put only slightly out of order by The Gawgon's death.

This is a very touching, funny, honest, personal story about the events that lead a boy to discover an ambition to be an artist and writer, in spite of getting no encouragement from anybody except an eccentric old lady who almost never leaves his grandmother's boarding-house. In a few light brushstrokes, it portrays a cast of goofy yet endearingly ordinary characters, while its unusual structure focuses mainly on the boy's inner life - a life of the imagination, stirred up by his lessons with The Gawgon, and featuring such characters as Napoleon Bonaparte, Sherlock Holmes, and Leonardo da Vinci.

During the last quarter of the book or so, the Gawgon herself lives in David's imagination, taking a slow leave as though hesitant to go without seeing how everything will turn out. As the stack of remaining pages grows thin, it's an attitude many a reader may share. Like so many of this author's books, this is a story to cherish in one's heart.

Lloyd Alexander (1924-2007) was the Philadelphia-born author of the rightly celebrated Prydain Chronicles, including the Newbery Medal-winning The High King, and a two-time National Book Award winner for children's fiction (The Marvelous Misadventures of Sebastian, Westmark). He was also noted as an illustrator of children's books. His numerous other titles include the Vesper Holly series, The Cat Who Wished to Be a Man, The First Two Lives of Lukas-Kasha, The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio, and Gypsy Rizka, to name only some of the titles I haven't already reviewed. If you haven't read most of his books, you have a big assignment ahead of you - but one I think you will enjoy.

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was worried that I wouldn't like this Lloyd Alexander. I have only ever hated one book by this author but the premise was similar and so I put this one off.

The Gawgon and the Boy starts off with The Boy--David, who gets super sick during the 1930's and is taken out of school. His parents, worried that he'll fall behind in his studies, sends him to be tutored by "Aunt Annie", a distant cousin of David's grandmother. David thinks she's awful and names her the Gawgon. But slowly David finds a true kindred spirit in the Gawgon, helping David as he grows up.

The book is told half in David's stories--where he puts himself as the hero until he finds the Gawgon to be a much better protagonist for his stories--and half in the real world as David is taught by the Gawgon.

I was really, really, really, upset when the Gawgon died. I cried. I don't normally cry for stories but man... I really loved the Gawgon. Maybe it's just because I have loved so many of Lloyd Alexander's books that it hurt more than other stories. But man, I took off a star because it hurt me so.

There are some bits of this story that are rather brutal for a children's book Captain Jack's mental breakdown and PTSD, the Gawgon's death, the description of the beginning of the Great Depression so keep that in mind. Nothing's too gruesome or dark, Lloyd Alexander tended to stay clear from getting too adult in his books but still... it surprised me after reading some of Mr. Alexander's children's books earlier in the year.

In short, I enjoyed it. But if you've never read Lloyd Alexander before, I would recommend you start with Prydain or one of his other adventure books before this one.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first met The Gawgon, I never suspected who she was: a climber of icy mountains, rescuer of King Tut’s treasure, challenger of master criminals, and a dozen other things. But that came later, after I died—nearly died, anyhow,” said David of his once terrifying Aunt Annie. When 11-year-old David’s doctor tells his family that he is too frail to return to school after a severe case of pneumonia, he is excited at his new freedom. But, then The Gawgon, who is so nicknamed after the deadly gorgon in Greek mythology by David, offers to be his tutor. [When the elderly, but feisty Aunt Annie learns of her nickname, she calls David: “The Boy.”] At first David is disheartened at his turn of fortune of being stuck with the old lady. That is until he comes to appreciate and love Aunt Annie and her unconventional teaching style. She inspires David’s imagination and cultivates his growing artistic talents. The two become inseparable. Under her tutelage and with the help of his active imagination the pair “meet” Napoleon, Sherlock Holmes, Leonardo da Vinci, and other historical characters in this entertaining and funny tale of an unlikely friendship set in 1920s Philadelphia.

[Library Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will forever hold a special place in my heart. It is the semi-autobiographical story of a boy named David who is growing up in Depression-era Philadelphia. When he comes down with a serious case of pneumonia and misses a lot of school, his parents decide to allow his great-aunt to tutor him. He calls her "The Gawgon" (a misheard version of another relative's nickname for her of "the Gorgon") and she calls him "The Boy" and together they learn and laugh and begin to trust and love one another. David is an aspiring author and the book is full of his wonderful imaginings of himself-- and later the Gawgon-- in great works of literature or periods in history. Who was with Napoleon when he was in Egypt? Why The Gawgon and The Boy, of course! Through it all, she encourages and inspires him to become a great writer. Funny, touching, and memorable, this book struck a chord with me because I had my own "Gawgon" when I was a child and I will never forget her. This book is a fitting tribute to mentors everywhere!