Publishers Weekly
"Philbrick's latest misfit protagonist embarks on an adventure in a fantastic and often frightening alternative world," said PW. "The creation of a futuristic dialect, combined with striking descriptions of a postmodern civilization, will convincingly transport readers." Ages 10-14. (Mar.) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.
School Library Journal
Gr 5-8-Spaz, a boy who lives on the fringes of his surreal future world, partly because epilepsy prevents him from using the mind probes most people use to blot out reality, sets out on a classic quest to save his ill foster sister. To do so, he must cross forbidden territory and face frightening gangs and their leaders. He picks up companions as he travels: Ryter, a philosophic old man whose treasure is the book he is writing despite knowing that books and reading are of the past; Littleface, a young almost speechless child; and Linnea, a "prove" (genetically improved person). In saving his sister, Spaz learns about himself and his parentage. This action-packed story has some strong and provocative messages. It should prove popular among middle school listeners. Jeremy Davies' reading of Rodman Philbrick's text (Blue Sky Press, 2001) is very good. His soft, almost whispery voice usually suits the story well, but in the action scenes it is a little too subdued. This is a minor quibble. This is a good story to use with middle schoolers along with such titles as Lois Lowry's The Giver (HM, 1993) and Monica Hughes' Introduction to the Game (S&S, 1990). Public libraries will find it popular among science fiction fans as well as those wanting a good adventure story.-Louise L. Sherman, Anna C. Scott School, Leonia, NJ Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
From the Publisher
Praise for The Last Book in the Universe:"[T]here is much to admire in Philbrick's tale of a postapocalyptic future... Despite the dark turn of events, however, there's stubborn hope and strength of conviction in the book's moving conclusion." Booklist"Philbrick...has again created a compelling set of characters that engage the reader with their courage and kindness in a painful world that offers hope." Kirkus ReviewsPraise for Rodman Philbrick:* "Outstanding suspense." Kirkus Reviews, starred review for Wildfire* "A rip-roaring adventure"Publishers Weekly, starred review for Newbery Honor book The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg* "This excellent maritime bildungsroman has all the makings of a juvenile classic." School Library Journal, starred review for The Young Man and the Sea