Timothee de Fombelle created an entire world within a tree. The main character, Tobie a tiny 11-year-old boy, is on the run because his father discovered that there might be more to the world than their branches. I read both volumes in French and have no idea how well it was translated in English bu... more

Timothee de Fombelle created an entire world within a tree. The main character, Tobie a tiny 11-year-old boy, is on the run because his father discovered that there might be more to the world than their branches. I read both volumes in French and have no idea how well it was translated in English but it's definitely a book apart. One of the Amazon reviews I just read says the book is inappropriate for children (ages 7 and 11) because it's cruel, violent, sadistic and just plain unacceptable. Oh yeah, children are so sweet, I totally forgot. The book is fantastic! It changed my view of the world outside. Yes it is not for the faint of heart, yes there are kids hurt, yes there are mean dumb and mean smart guys but the hero outsmarts them all despite being the smallest and most fragile of the lot. Fombelle's writing is breathtaking. As an allegory to our every more densely-developed world, the book is an absolute must-read. Go beyond the stereotypes. This is not a tween book about drug, sex, or anorexia but every tween I've offered it to in France has loved it. Wonderful both for girls and for boys.