GROWN-UP RAT FAN SAYS:
I have been looking for some good science fiction books for my precocious 5
year old reader, and had been having no luck. I happened across your book
in the library; it looked a little long, but I thought I would read it and
see if it would be the sort of thing he could read. I have to say, it was
pretty terrific. When I finished, my first thought was: "What happens next?
I hope there is a sequel!"
There is precious little science fiction for
this age group, and what there is is either old (1970's-80's) or poorly
written. What a great surprise to find your book. I love your attention to
scientific detail without being overwhelming with vocabulary. I also love
rats. Not very many people realize what pleasant creatures they are (I
tried out Despereaux before your book, which was also good, but the rats
were terribly mean!). Ever since reading MRS FRISBY AND THE RATS OF NIMH
I have been enamored of the idea of intelligent rats.
Another thing I loved about your book was that Rat was female. Often,
sci-fi is aimed at boys, and has very few female characters. I know she was
a rat, but she was smart, resourceful, and independent.
Mom being the main scientist was also great. Nothing wrong with male scientists, of course,
it's just usually taken for granted, so it's great for boys to see women in
science. One of the main drawbacks for women in scientific fields is having
to break into the boys' club and being treated like an outsider. Books like
yours help boys realize that everyone can belong in science (while being
inspiring to girls as well) without hitting the reader over the head with
it.
I enjoyed your book very much, and if I can find them in the bookstore, I
will definitely buy both for my son - and hopefully more of your books in
the future. Best of luck with your writing career.
{note: RAT books are available in your local bookstores and online! And, of course, there are more Rat & Jeff adventures now in RAT TRAP}
posted by Michael J. Daley @ 6:12 AM
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