The cover art is bland and offputting, which is too bad because this was an exceptional tale for young adults. Students who claim to not understand scThe cover art is bland and offputting, which is too bad because this was an exceptional tale for young adults. Students who claim to not understand science fiction will definitely be steered toward this one. ...more
I'm reading quite a few YA books this year, in order to write Accelerated Reader tests for them for my library. This one presented the philosophy thatI'm reading quite a few YA books this year, in order to write Accelerated Reader tests for them for my library. This one presented the philosophy that music can fix many ills, and since I agree, I enjoyed it!...more
This was a gracefully told story of how easily well-meaning individuals can move to take away our Constitutional freedoms. At first, it all seems remoThis was a gracefully told story of how easily well-meaning individuals can move to take away our Constitutional freedoms. At first, it all seems remote and separate, just a concept being taught in Todd Tobin's social studies class, until the danger slips into the Tobin household, via an invited guest who seemed innocent on the outside. ...more
This has to be the darkest of Lois Duncan's books. An excellent portrayal of the seductive nature of peer pressure, and the poor judgement that seems This has to be the darkest of Lois Duncan's books. An excellent portrayal of the seductive nature of peer pressure, and the poor judgement that seems to come so easily to the young....more
I work in a middle school library, and this book was recommended by the School Librarian Association. It was pretty interesting, mostly in that HentofI work in a middle school library, and this book was recommended by the School Librarian Association. It was pretty interesting, mostly in that Hentoff never completely closed the issue of who wins or loses in a censorship fight. I'd definitely steer my students toward it....more