Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction 2

I am a little torn about this book. It isn't like the usual craft books I review. There are so few things that inspire older boys to help pass the time creatively (and some girls), and I think this book would be a great way to pull them away from the television or video games to build something. On the other hand, this book teaches them how to make miniature weapons... That work!

Of course, kids - especially boys - have been construction their own miniature weapons for decades. When my boys were a bit younger, they were constantly making spit ball shooters out of pens or rubber band guns out of their fingers. This book takes these pranks a step further.

Reading this book is very entertaining. The author, John Austin, speaks to you as if you are a secret agent, even encouraging you to conceal the identity of this book by covering it creatively using the cover of a magazine. He also reminds you throughout the book to keep safety in mind and never shoot animals or people with any weapons you create.

And, oh boy, the weapons you can create! You can craft a sidearm such as a Candy Glock 33, a Cotton Swab .38 Special, or a 44 Marker Magnum. Of course, a true spy will also disguise their weapons. You can make a Gift Card Coin Launcher, a Mint Tin, Catapult, or a Crayon Cannon. This book is not completely about weapons though, you can make other tools a secret agents needs such as a Bionic Ear, a Secret Soup Safe, and even several targets you can use your weapons on.

Here is a sneak peek at one of the projects in this book:

• Double-Barreled Band Gun Directions
  (Reprinted with permission from Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction 2: Build a Secret Agent Arsenal by John Austin. Text and image copyright 2011 Chicago Review Press. Published by Chicago Review Press (distributed by IPG). Available in bookstores and online in October 2011. )

The instructions to make each weapon and secret agent tool are clear and concise. The illustrations that accompany each project are very easy to understand and help guide you through making everything. For those people who would rather look at pictures than read, you will be pleased with how well the illustrations show you what to do.

I know some of you might be appalled by a book that encourages anyone to make weapons; if you are, then you are entitled to your opinion and, of course, this book is not for you. However, this book is meant to be fun and I think, for older boys (and interested girls) and men, that it is! I think I might give this book to my grown sons and my husband as Christmas gifts. Perhaps I will even gather together some of the simple supplies needed for some of the projects.

Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.