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School Library Journal
Reviewed on February 1, 2014 | Grades 9 and Up
Gr 9 Up—The opening scenes of this postapocalyptic, psychological novel describing the protagonist's confinement in a small, locked room is strongly reminiscent of Emma Donoghue's adult title Room (Little, Brown, 2010). Billy Dean's mother was seduced by an unethical priest, and young Billy is forced to suffer the consequences of their affair by being kept hidden. The compelling story is told from Billy...Log In or Sign Up to Read More
Horn Book Magazine
Reviewed on January 1, 2014
Almond presents his own post-apocalyptic take on our world: "This tail is told by 1 that died at birth by 1 that came into the world in days of endles war & at the moment of disaster. He grew in isolayshon wile the enjins of destrucshon flew & smoke rose over the sitys." Almond's story amounts to a saint's life (complete with allusions to the medieval Life of St. Cuthbert): Billy grows up a secret chi...Log In or Sign Up to Read More
Horn Book Guide
Reviewed on January 1, 2014
Billy grows up locked away with his mother by his philandering priest father. Outside is Blinkbonny, a bombed-out town on Britain's northeast coa...Log In or Sign Up to Read More
