Bill writes, "I can't imagine there has ever been a more gratifying time or place to be alive than American in the 1950s" (Chap. 1, p. 5). What does he mean by this? What evidence does he present in the book to back this statement up?

Describe the transformation that occurred in Des Moines during the 1950s and after. What changed about the city? How does Bill feel about the changes?

How was Bill's childhood different than what a child might experience today? What things have changed? What has remained the same?

Describe Bill's relationship with his father and mother. How did he feel about them? How did their personalities and interests shape Bill's?

What was childhood like for American children in the 1950s? What concerns and excitements did they have?

How did Bill become the Thunderbolt Kid? What did he add to the story and...