Rodman Philbrick's gripping story reads like John Steinbeck. * Sunday Times *
A must-read for anyone 10 or over...Philbrick is one of the most brilliant and compelling living American children's writers. Enjoy! * Anne Gannon, INIS: The CHildren's Books Ireland Magazine *
As a result of an awful childhood with drunken parents, Roy (aged under 15) was put in a disagreeable home and his older brother Jo disappeared. When the story starts, Jo has returned, carried him off in an old pick-up truck, has caused a serious fire as a result of an instability in his character, and they are on the run. Against a background of Jo's wariness and potential for rage there is delight and excitement. A cougar attacks Roy's horse but he saves it from death; he races the horse at the local rodeo and wins. However, there is a minor villain in the story, who attempts to prevent the boy from winning. The older brother cannot resist attacking him, which will lead to his connection with the earlier fire being discovered. Fire, tragedy and heroism follow. Written with finely controlled skill in the present tense and in the vernacular - giving it a very moderate reading level - full of warmth, humanity and interesting detail, this is a good book. Teenagers should love it and find it memorable. * David Churchill - School Librarian Journal *
Full of warmth, humanity and interesting detail. * David Churchill, School Librarian Journal *
