A tale that could have served to warn children to share “secrets” with their parents, shows children they can handle dangerous situations without an adult’s help. This boy is totally self reliant. He handles everything without his parent’s ’help or knowledge. That might be fine except Anj... more

A tale that could have served to warn children to share “secrets” with their parents, shows children they can handle dangerous situations without an adult’s help. This boy is totally self reliant. He handles everything without his parent’s ’help or knowledge. That might be fine except Anje is dangerous. He threatens the boy’s life, shoots at him with a crossbow and gains access to the boy’s locked apartment in the middle of the night. I’m stepping off my soap box. The story should capture a child’s full attention. The most reluctant reader will tear through the pages, Will the rat make it until Christmas and should Eric be worried about his own fate? These questions will keep a child wondering and reading for hours on end. Eric is a resourceful young man. His logic is clearly that of a young middle grader without the ability to anticipate the possible consequences of his silence. If I could get past these concerns and read the book for its pure entertainment value, it would receive 4 ½ smiley faces. I can’t. Serious danger surrounds the boy. As a child I may not have the foresight to forecast possible dire repercussions for his silence. Anje is obviously demented and might hurt Eric, his family or someone else. It doesn’t add up. Eric seems to have a good relationship with both of his parents. Why wouldn’t he confide in them? He is scared and should be. I do not recommend this book. ☻☻☻