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Reviewed Titles Billy the Kid The Bomb Ice Drift Sniper Weirdo	Theodore Taylor Reviews Page One Added June 14, 2006 The Weirdo Author: Theodore Taylor Publisher: Harcourt, Inc Available At: Bookstores Everywhere Publishing Date: March 2006 Genre: Young Adult: Mystery Format: Trade paper Price: $6.95 ISBN: 0-15-205666-1 Author Email/Website: www.theodoretaylor.com/index.htm Reviewer: Joyce Handzo Rating: 9 Gargoyles Meeting The Weirdo in the Powhatan Swamp is truly an unforgettable experience! Seventeen-year-old Chip Clewt lived an isolated life because of the severe disfigurement he suffered after a plane crash. Although he opened his home and his heart to the many animals living nearby, he kept his distance from the inquisitive eyes of people Until the day a local girl, Sam, stumbled onto his property after she spent a terrifying night in the swamp. An intriguing sense of suspense fills these pages as Chip and Sam delve into the hidden mysteries of the Powhatan. A ban on hunting was about to be lifted, causing a controversy between environmentalists and trigger-happy residents. Chip's work with the bears, tagging and numbering their population, put him at the forefront of this battle. It also made him a target. When an associate of Chip mysteriously disappears, he decides to meet the hunters on their own territory. With Sam by his side, they take a defiant stand that could cost them their lives. Young adults will feed admiration for this unlikely hero, dubbed "the weirdo". The author has sensitively raised Chip to a position of power, in spite of his physical disability. Readers will look beyond the deformed face and into the heart of a teenager who wants to make a difference in his world. That universal desire strikes a strong chord throughout these pages, providing both motivational and inspirational appeal. The swamp setting lends an air of danger, with its maze of paths and many places of hiding. The mystery element bursts onto the scene with a sense of realism, and is guaranteed to increase the heart rate among readers. Animal lovers will delight in Chip's interaction with the bears. Fascinating facts are smoothly integrated into the plot, revealing both the bitter and the sweet side of the Powhatan's allure. And if all that isn't enough, there is also a gentle romantic angle, as Sam lets her heart see the real image of Chip. This edition of the book has a reader's guide, offering several insightful questions for discussion. Young adults will find a rich story and memorable characters in this book! Return to top of page. Added June 10, 2006 Ice Drift Author: Theodore Taylor Publisher: Harcourt, Inc Available At: Bookstores Everywhere Publishing Date: March 2006 Genre: Middle Reader: Adventure/Historical Format: Trade Paper Price: $5.95 ISBN: 0-15-205550-9 Author Email/Website: www.theodoretaylor.com/index.htm Reviewer: Joyce Handzo Rating: 9 Gargoyles When two boys are suddenly set adrift on an ice floe, an amazing race for survival begins. Fourteen-year-old Alika and his younger brother, Sulu, were hunting for seals near their Inuit home in the Arctic. Without warning, a huge portion of ice separates from the land. The boys watch in horror as they slowly drift away from safety into unknown dangers. These pages chronicle their grueling six-month journey down the Greenland Strait. Fascinating and factual, this book is an extraordinary look at life near the Arctic Circle. After the boys become imprisoned on a floating block of ice, the reader gradually learns more about the Inuit people through the dialogue and actions of the brothers. Survival skills, religious beliefs and cooking methods are all smoothly incorporated into the story. Danger, fear and bravery are shown with skillful and sensitive writing. Young readers will learn a lot about the stamina and perseverance of the Inuit people as they observe the steps Alika takes to insure their safety, as both predators and hunger stalk their every move. Set in the year 1868, the novel has an historical feel, yet the adventure transcends time. This moving account of two boys struggling to stay alive and hoping to be rescued has a universal and ageless quality. Moments of fear coexist with faith, while sadness mixes with a subdued joy on this emotional journey. The hardships the brothers overcome emphasize their courage and their desire to live. Each chapter begins with an interesting fact about this Arctic land. A map and a glossary of Inuit words and phrases are also provided to enhance the appreciation of this book. The author has clearly written a novel that invites the reader to come alongside two boys on an incredible adventure. Return to top of page. This page was last updated on February 11, 2008 This page and all its contents are Copyright© 2002-2008 In the Library Reviews and the individual reviewers. Except where noted, all graphics are Copyright© Eos Development and are used with permission. All book covers are Copyright© their respective publishers and are used with permission. The In the Library Reviews logo is Copyright© 2002 by In the Library Reviews/Sharyn McGinty. Site maintained by In the Library Reviews.