Synopsis
A brilliant first novel reminiscent of LORD OF THE FLIES and the best-selling Japanese novel BATTLE ROYALE (the basis for the film, which has a cult following), set in an alternate world by seventeen-year-old Isamu Fukui, who is a junior at New York's pre
KLIATT
AGERANGE: Ages 12 to 18.
Perfect control through education : that s the goal of a despotic Mayor who rules an unnamed City where students are punished for the least infraction. The Zero Tolerance Policy is taken to an extreme, enforced by armed Educators, and expelled students are executed. Naturally, repression breeds rebellion, and the Truancy, an underground armed revolt by teenagers, is trying to destroy the system. Fifteen-year-old Tack is just trying to make it through school, but when he meets Umasi, a mysterious boy who trains him in fighting skills, and then loses his sister in a violent attack by the Truancy, he runs off and joins the group, hoping to destroy it from within to avenge her. The Truancy is led by the charismatic Zyid, and Tack s skills soon make him Zyid s second-in-command. Gradually, however, Tack s allegiance to the Truancy conflicts with his desire for vengeance for his sister s death. Will he accept the Truancy s cause as his own? Dedicated to every student who has suffered in the name of education, this astounding and action-packed novel by a 15-year-old New York City student is sure to appeal to adolescents everywhere with its theme of brave students vs. oppressive educators. It s melodramatic, to say the least, but highly effective. With lots of violence, martial arts battles, and even a touch of romance, it s sure to be a big hit, just the kind of subversive tale YAs recommend to each other. Reviewer: Paula Rohrlick
March 2008 (Vol. 42, No.2)