I am Leaper - Hardcover

Rezensionen

Grade 4-6-- Two scientists are astonished when a captive kangaroo rat begins to talk to them through the lab computer. " 'I am Leaper,' " she says. " 'I have come to talk to you about a matter of life and death.' " But they can see only the exploitive possibilities in a talking rodent so Leaper turns for help to 12-year-old Julian, who works in the lab as a cleaner. She warns him about a monster wreaking havoc in her desert home. Following Leaper's clues, Julian explores the desert, beginning to see it through her eyes. In an attempt to help her and the other lab animals to escape, he comes face to face with Leaper's monster--his own dirt bike. Its large print, short text, and cover illustration suggest that this is a primary-grade novel. However, its theme and vocabulary make it more suitable for intermediate readers. The timeliness of the subject matter and the balance of male and female characters are positive notes, and the text is brief and peppy enough to appeal to less keen (although not less able) readers. Julian is believable as a budding environmentalist with telepathic abilities, but the other characters are two-dimensional. Otherwise, useful and enjoyable reading for young naturalists. --Barbara Hutcheson, Greater Victoria Pub . Lib . , B.C., Canada
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