In the early 1950s Philadelphia, a boy questions his relationships with family and friends, nuns, and priests. From the humor and familiarity of neighborhood adventures to the darker elements of Catholic school abuse, John Bradley’s narrative comes alive with the voice of his ten-year-old self. Discovering a backyard treasure, with a newly purchased home movie camera, he films his pirate adventures, rallying friends to join him as urban pirates on the Delaware River. Lovely Em joins as a girl pirate, stirring new emotions within as she supports him in his quest. Dreams of cinematic fame lead him in a plan to overcome the oppression of his religious overseers. With an authentic and endearing narrative, The BAGO BOY recreates a time of young love, growing independence, and bold adventure in this coming-of-age novel.
