Little Brother

Doctorow, Cory. Little Brother. A Tom Doherty Associates Book: 2008. ISBN: 9780765323118.

Plot Summary:
In the blink of an eye the world can change. High school senior, Marcus Yallow, aka Winston, has his world turned upside down after being falsely arrested for supposed involvement in a terrorist plot that blew up the Bay Bridge in Oakland, California. After resisting for weeks Marcus can't take the torture and games any more and gives the Homeland Security agents the password to his cell phone. Finally released, Marcus finds that his city of San Fransisco mirrors a police state. The police are everywhere watching for terrorist around each corner, to the point regular citizens are treated guilty until proven innocent. Marcus is smart and tough. He has had enough and uses his available resources to launch his own counter attack against the unfair treatment of the government. With old and new friends at his side, Marcus shows the difference one person can make.

Critical Evaluation:
Cory Doctorow has written a fabulous book on many levels. The plot line is exciting and suspenseful, we want Marcus to be successful. As a protagonist, Marcus is able and willing, but not without his insecurities. While Marcus is dealing with fighting terrorism in the form of an over exuberant government agency, he is also dealing with teenage hormones and his first sexual experience. Dealing with the government, a girlfriend and lots of geeky computer stuff, there is something for almost everyone. The computer stuff is not so technical and over the top that it is inaccessible. The majority of teens should understand what is being talked about; adults, maybe not. The title is a great play off of the term, 'big brother'. We live in fear of this bigger brother, but in this story, the little brother rules!

Reader's Annotation:
Teen voices are important and needed. When the time is right will you lift your voice?

Information About the Author:
Canadian author, Cory Doctorow is best known for his opinions about copyright laws. Cory puts his beliefs into action. He has published several novels online for free downloading. His critics argue that you can't make money that way, but Cory has proved them wrong. Offering special editions is just one way Cory makes money on his free to download books. Cory stays busy blogging and writing the occasional article for The Guardian.

Genre:
Issue Novel/Activism

Curriculum Ties:
Terrorism
Our rights under the constitution
Homeland Security

Booktalking Ideas:
Marcus decides to take a stand for what he believes in and finds himself on the wrong side of the law. Is this right or wrong?
Do we have terrorism in this country?

Reading Level/Interest Age:
9th +

Challenge Issues:
Teen Sex
Illegal Behavior

To be prepared for a book challenge you must read the book! And encourage all involved in the process to read the book, not just the questionable passages.
Make sure the institution's procedure is followed, this is a protection for all.
ALA provides written guidelines it would be handy to have a hard copy available.

Why Book Included:
Required reading for class.