Childhood Without a Helmet

The (mis)adventures of young Michael Quigley continue in Childhood without a Helmet, the companion to Stump City. Set in the predominantly Irish-American section of Skaneateles Falls, New York, it roughly parallels the same time period, focusing on Michael's interactions with his friends and neighbors. Mike and friends take us back to the days of daredevil sledding, learning to ride a bicycle, and cooking up Halloween pranks. When left to his own devices, the young Michael never fails to both amaze and amuse. Throughout the story, parents and other adults are present and engaged, never far from their offspring and ready with hugs, cookies, reprimands, or the belt, as situations warrant. Teachable moments predominate, with events offering life lessons best learned while still young - lessons of the sort that are not easily taught in organized activities where risk is minimized. Readers of Stump City know how this story ends; that does not make getting there any less enjoyable.