SOLVED. YA? robot/clockwork/windup boy at niagara falls [s]

[Qc]

YA book I read in the early 90's (not a new one so likely written in the 80's or before).

Main character is a clockwork/windup boy of some kind, he was 'adopted' by a couple but I don't think either of them built him. I think he didn't seem to like them much.

From what I recall he seemed to be the only one of his kind living in a pretty normal 'modern day' world.

From my childhood perspective he seemed to swear a lot (but could be pretty tame in reality).

There was a scene where for some reason he had to pull off some daring stunt above the Niagara Falls - pulling himself along a rope in a barrel to save someone maybe? Sort of an anti-hero redemption moment. There may have been more than one book in a series about him.

Sorry it's not much to go on, this one has been driving me nuts since before the internet existed!

[Kris]

Wagstaffe the Wind-Up Boy by Jan Needle seems to match your description.

One reviewer says, "[Wagstaffe] is so awful that one day he wakes to find a note from his parents saying, ‘Dear Wagstaffe, You're so horrible that we've run away together for a better life. You will never, ever, see us again. P.S. Don't forget to clean the lavatory. It's Tuesday.' ... Wagstaffe's idea of fun is a little dangerous, however, as it includes playing on the motor-way and throwing rotten eggs at the traffic. When he is side-swiped by a large truck, Wagstaffe's adventures truly begin... After a while Wagstaffe realises that his new, wind-up intestines and the various useful gadgets a clever doctor has installed can be quite useful... Stowing away in the tyre of a plane in order to get to America is just the beginning, as Wagstaffe tries to catch up with his parents before they are sent over Niagara Falls without a barrel."

[Qc]

Kris wrote: "Wagstaffe the Wind-Up Boy by Jan Needle seems to match your description.

One reviewer says, "[Wagstaffe] is so awful that one day he wakes to find a note from his pare..."

Wow, that must be it, perfect! I have no idea how you got it but thanks!!

[Kris]

Qc, a Google search (book "windup boy" "niagara falls") led me to an Australian site that mentions his parents going over Niagara Falls. Glad you found your book!