Vasco
Leader of the Tribe
by Anne-Laure Bondoux
When Richard Adams wrote Watership Down, a story of adventure and unexpected heroes, he had a slight
advantage - people like bunnies. In Vasco, Leader of the Tribe, Bondoux makes us believe in the valor and
honor of rats. And they aren't just rats - they're very ratty rats. The book makes us face that quite clearly
with moldy, rotten meat for dinner and the pervasive stench of garbage and rat urine. We definitely don't want
to go live with these characters. And yet, we do care about them. We admire Vasco, who must change his whole
life when his "tribe" disappears mysteriously, leaving behind only a few very young rats who need him. Vasco
must make wise decisions, including knowing when to fight and when to humble himself for the good of all. I
found the multi-layered characterization of all the rats fascinating. Even though Bondoux refuses to let the
reader romanticize these creatures, she forces you to care deeply about them. The book is packed with adventure,
danger, and courage - and it is guaranteed to make you look at rats in a totally new way. I found it fast-paced
and compelling reading from beginning to end. With all the action - this would make a great gift for kids who
love the Warriors series. Though not always comfortable reading, it was a terrific story ride from
beginning to end. |
The Book |
Delacorte Press / Random House |
November 2007 |
Hardcover |
0385733631 / 978-0385733632 |
Children’s Novel, Ages 9 - 12 |
More at Amazon.com |
Excerpt |
NOTE: |
The Reviewer |
Jan Fields |
Reviewed 2007 |
NOTE: Reviewer Jan
Fields is the editor of Kid Magazine Writers emagazine and has written dozens of
stories and articles for the children's magazine market. |
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