The Inferior

September 1, 2008
Gr 8 Up-In this epic story of survival, betrayal, and community, the fittest humans are prized as hunters and for taking care of the Tribe, while those with a number of marks on their Tally sticks, or otherwise deemed useless, are traded for food with other tribes in the region. Stopmouth, a "savage" human with a stutter, is healed by a strange visitor from the Roof following a hunting accident. He and Indrani develop a bond that is scorned by the rest of the Tribe, but is one that will see them through some challenging times as they set out on a journey to try to return Indrani to whence she came. This well-paced fantasy/science fiction blend perfectly introduces community conflict at a base level. Stopmouth and his brother are constantly at odds over their roles in the family and their individual ambition. Power and influence are accepted and controlled in very different ways by these main characters and, from the very first chapters, readers can see that lies and deceit are strong forces on the characters. There are numerous situations that could be used to supplement classroom discussion on moral and ethical behavior. Easy to follow and intriguing at every turn, "The Inferior" will hold readers from page to page, chapter to chapter, to the very end."Dylan Thomarie, Johnstown High School, NY"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2008
Stopmouth, stuttering younger brother of his tribe's golden boy, battles enemies and rises to chiefdom; the mysterious appearance of a strange, "civilized" woman is a catalyst. Set in a brutal world--part alien battleground, part Aztec Empire--this is a gruesome (cannibalism, human sacrifice, and other taboo subjects abound) but enthralling hero's journey, compelling despite its gratuitous violence.

(Copyright 2008 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)