The Tunnel of Hugsy Goode Paperback – Illustrated, August 1, 2003

I read this book out loud to my children (ages 8 & 10). They absolutely loved it and always got SO mad when I stopped reading at the end of the chapter. They just had to know what would happen next (and because I did too, I would often let them stay up late and read another chapter.)Copin is an 11 year old boy who is slightly mischievous (he just can't help it though, he has so many great ideas,) and Tornid is his 8 year old buddy who loves to play along. Copin and Tornid have been drawing maps of the tunnel under the alley for quite a while before they decide to dig. When they finally uncover the tunnel, they aren't that amazed to find that their maps were quite accurate. They are amazed at what else they find. During the first half of the book, we wondered whether the main characters would really ever find a tunnel. And when they do, you just have to reading because you want to find out what's in the tunnel and why they shouldn't sit in that chair.

I liked Estes' books when I was younger and thought I'd read through them again now. I love the Moffats and the Pyes. I'd never read The Alley, but I liked it, and I hoped I would like this one—but I didn’t. I only made it through a few chapters before I had to give up. I like the older books in which the children know when they are doing the wrong thing and try not to. Newer (yes, to some of us, 1972 is still “new”…) books, and movies, too, seem to glory in all the things that many of us as mothers spent all our time trying to teach our children NOT to do. So, I didn’t like these characters, and I especially didn’t like them calling girls “contamination.” Oh, well. At least there was no sex and violence…

This is the long-awaited sequel (re-print) to THE ALLEY; if you have wanted to know whatever happened to the children who filled up the adventures of the first book, THE TUNNEL OF HUGSY GOODE will answer your questions. Not only that, but new protagonists, with unusual code names for themselves, their friends, enemies, and siblings, make this book an exciting read. I would put this one at a reading level of second through fourth grade.

Hugsy's tunnel. I liked this book because it was cool, exciting, fun, funny, and sad. I also liked it because it was creepy and suspenseful. Copin and Tornid are cool, funny, especially Tornid, and Copin is smart. I think every kid should read this book.

this book is HILARIOUS! my nine year old son read it, and laughed out loud the whole way through it. i picked it up after he finished it, and couldn't put it down. very funny as seen through the eyes of a boy with a big imagination and also a great way with words. hugsy is thoughtful with great insight. a wonderful, clean book!