Boy Wonder

Told in the form of interviews with those who knew and hated him, this hilarious and irreverent mockumentary recounts the rise and fall of notorious Hollywood producer Shark Trager. As a young man, Shark had dreams of directing artistic movies, but when his film school project is savaged by a snobby French critic, Shark turns instead to producing exploitative trash, the more shocking and outrageous the better. Fueled by a nonstop supply of sex and drugs, Shark's life and work become increasingly bizarre and erratic. Yet we meet a different side of Shark too, as we learn how he saved a group of Sunday school teachers held hostage by terrorists, prevented a horrific attack on Nancy Reagan by a sex-crazed donkey, and single-handedly took out a squad of dangerous neo-Nazis posing as disabled schoolchildren. It all leads up to a wild and explosive finale when, against all odds, one of Shark's films finds itself a contender for the Academy Awards--but the ceremony doesn't go exactly according to plan ... Riotously funny, wickedly politically incorrect, and completely impossible to put down, James Robert Baker's satire of the film industry Boy Wonder (1988), long revered as a cult classic, returns to print at last in this new edition, which includes an afterword by his partner, Ron Robertson. "[A]mphetamine-drenched, violence-riddled, sex-steeped . . . an exhilarating read." -- John Keilman, Chicago Tribune "Wild invention, bizarre plot twists . . . a raunchy, funny, savvy tale." -- Kirkus Reviews

Testimony by those that knew him document life and times of rebel filmmaker and Hollywood wildman Shark Trager, and of his stormy days and raunchy nights spent in pursuit of a twisted Californian dream

Penguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series. Please note that the eBook edition does NOT include access to the audio edition and digital book. Written for learners of English as a foreign language, each title includes carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises. Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content. The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers' story comprehension and develop vocabulary. Wonder, a Level 3 Reader, is A2 in the CEFR framework. The text is made up of sentences with up to three clauses, introducing first conditional, past continuous and present perfect simple for general experience. It is well supported by illustrations, which appear on most pages. August "Auggie" Pullman has been home-schooled all his life. Now he is starting fifth grade at a school in New York City. He doesn't want other students to look at him, but that isn't easy when he looks like he does. Visit the Penguin Readers website Register to access online resources including tests, worksheets and answer keys. Exclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock a digital book and audio edition (not available with the eBook).

A collage of personal memories passed over into family myth, Boy Wonder is a funny and moving account of a childhood spent, like countless others, on pitches, sidelines and stands, struggling to make sense of competition and the outsized role it plays in the lives of men and boys, fathers and sons. From tough lessons on the parish field and the politics of afterschool football to the euphoria of Croke Park and brushes with demigods like Jimmy Barry-Murphy and Roy Keane, Boy Wonderis a poignant comic memoir about family, sport and the rites of passage that shape every childhood. It is one man's story – but a testament to every man's experience. 'If you ever strung a length of washing line across the road to try to replicate the excitement of Wimbledon, played street football while imagining John Motson simpering over your every touch, trotted around an obstacle course slapping your backside during Dublin Horse Show week or tried to emulate Alex Higgins on a four-foot by two-foot snooker table in the tight confines of a suburban kitchen, then Boy Wonder will make you ache with nostalgia for your own childhood.' Paul Howard 'Utterly authentic.'Matt Cooper

Discover the surprising origins of the legendary caped crusader in this entertaining picture book biography for young fans of Batman and superheroes Batman’s biggest secret is not Bruce Wayne . . . Every Batman story is marked with the words, “Batman created by Bob Kane.” But that isn’t the whole truth. A struggling writer named Bill Finger was involved from the beginning. Bill helped invent Batman, from concept to costume to character. He dreamed up Batman’s haunting origins and his colorful nemeses. Despite his brilliance, Bill worked in obscurity. It was only after his death that fans went to bat for Bill, calling for acknowledgment that he was co-creator of Batman. Cartoonist and popular Batman artist Ty Templeton brings Marc Tyler Nobleman’s exhaustive research to life. Perfect for reluctant readers and those bridging from easy readers to longer narratives, this classic underdog story will inspire all readers to take ownership of, and pride in, their work.

As Robin, the Boy Wonder in the popular "Batman" television series -- still seen in every television U.S. and abroad -- Burt Ward has become a durable cult figure recognized the world over. In his describes how a 21-year-old former part-time real estate agent coped with the overnight transition to world-wide recognizable male sex symbol.

Charlie Fry is football mad. He sleeps wearing his team's full kit and dreams of scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final. He plays football around the clock - at the park, on the way to school, at lunchtimes and even in his bedroom until his mum tells him off. But Charlie has a problem: he can't run very far. He has plenty of skill but his poorly lungs stop him from sprinting. And as an 11-year-old boy planning to become the Golden Boot winner at the World Cup, that's an issue. Then one day a freak accident presents Charlie with a unique goal-scoring gift - it means he can't miss. But can Charlie convince his local team Hall Park to give him the chance and use his new skill to deadly effect? Or will the nasty bullies from his school keep him stuck on the sidelines? ** The Football Boy Wonder is the bestselling soccer story for children aged 7-11. It looks at themes such as bullying, friendship, loyalty and the wonderful world of football. Reviews of the Football Boy Wonder: "Highly recommended. An enjoyable and clever story with a few lovely twists along the way." Amazon review. "My little brother, who is crazy about soccer, would love this book and would never let it go. It is a great gift to get a brother, nephew, son or cousin for any occasion. They will definitely enjoy it." 5* review from Readers' Favourite website. "Fantastic journey of friendship and sporting achievements. Well written and easy to understand Charlie's journey and how CF impacts his life." Amazon review. If your kids like Messi, Ronaldo or Harry Kane, then they'll love Charlie Fry!