Is This Kid For Real? Christians and Conservatives will be pleased to read about a precocious pre-teen who is all-boy but is able to talk both religion and politics like a grown-up. The kid is a great role model for grade school kids and even adults! The nine-year-old Dallas should be a great influence for their youngsters. This book was originally written for an eight-year-old to enthrall him in an adventure and stretch his reading abilities. But even grown-ups will enjoy reading this book. It will restore your faith in the younger generation. The eight-year-old Dallas is not a sugar-coated fictional character - it's my words but it is Dallas' character.We're all amazed when we see an eight-year-old kid talking almost like a grown-up. But this is very common when the kid is exposed to adults who love and care for him and are willing to spend time with him - putting up with all the boyish questions and exuberant excesses - and exposing him to adults who are worth listening to.Dallas is just such a boy. Since he is home-schooled, his studies take him in whatever direction his interests lie. These are augmented by his Mother to make sure that he is gaining a real and worthwhile learning experience. Since he is older than his siblings, he learns grown-up virtues by helping his sisters. Dallas learned almost by osmosis the many political insights he has. And he has an understanding of these things far beyond his years because his Mom keeps the radio tuned to talk radio while she is doing her chores. This and two little rowdy sisters who don't know the meaning of quiet allow him to stay focused even while hearing the background sounds. And since home-schoolers don't have to do homework, Dallas can kick back for a bed-time snack and watch Tucker Carlson with Mom and Dad. The Grandparents and the church folks also function as his mentors. Dallas sets in on my home Bible studies and soaks up information like a sponge. He is more politically astute than most grown-ups. He knows some of the political camera hounds by sight. These are the things that prepared Dallas for his adventure - an adventure that grew more mysterious and menacing day-by-day. And it all started with one speckled turtle. The book is Dallas' story and we're sticking to it!