Little BrotherPlot Summary
Marcus is a regular, although quite brilliant, seventeen year old just minding his own business when San Francisco experiences the worst terrorist attack since 9/11. Marcus and 3 of his friends are in the wrong place at the wrong time and get hauled in for interrogations. Marcus and two of his friends are eventually released.
Marcus finds himself now living in a police state. Every citizen is considered a terrorist and the citizen's every moves are being monitored. Marcus has no choice but to go after the Department of Homeland Security himself.
Critical Evaluation
The ideas, themes and concepts of this book were very intriguing. I do not understand all the technical language that Marcus used to explain his thinking and procedures with hacking yet I still enjoyed the main concepts. This book was very thought provoking. I pondered personal freedom versus safety. It is an idea that has been highlighted many times in the United States since 9/11.
My only problem with the book was that at times it felt a bit preachy. I understand what Doctorow wanted to put across to his readers. I felt like I was being talked down to and that Doctorow felt like he really needed to spell out his opinions for the reader to be able to understand. However, on the other hand, I felt that the afterwards at the end of the book were quite nicely written. They were nonfiction and the mood was refreshing.
Overall, the book is very interesting and definitely worth the read.
Reader’s Annotation
Marcus finds himself being interrogated and accused of being a terrorist. When he is released he find his city has turned into a police state.
Information about the author
Cory Doctorow (craphound.com) is a science fiction author, activist, journalist and blogger -- the co-editor of Boing Boing (boingboing.net) and the author of Tor Teens/HarperCollins UK novels like FOR THE WIN and the bestselling LITTLE BROTHER. He is the former European director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation and co-founded the UK Open Rights Group. Born in Toronto, Canada, he now lives in London.
http://craphound.com/?page_id=1638
Genre
science fiction
Curriculum Ties
social studies. technology.
Booktalking Ideas
*What would you do if you were falsely accused of committing a crime? *How would you react if America was turned into an emergency police state?
Reading Level
ages 13 and up
Challenge Issues
This book has some anti controlling government themes. Marcus actively works to thwart the department of homeland security.
It is best to be prepared for a book challenge before it is challenged. It is important to read the book all the way through and to have read both positive and negative reviews of the book from professionals and teens as well. Be aware of the library’s collection policy. Also check for any awards the book may have won. It would be beneficial to see how other library’s may have handled challenges for this particular book in the past.
Little Brother has won quite a few awards. Such as:
Hugo Award Nominee for Best Novel (2009), Nebula Award Nominee for Best Novel (2008), John W. Campbell Memorial Award for Best Science Fiction Novel (2009), Emperor Norton Award (2008),Prometheus Award for Best Novel (2009)
Prometheus Award for Best Novel (2009), Sakura Medal Nominee for High School Book (2010), Florida Teens Read Nominee (2009)
Why Included?
Little Brother was one of three required readings for the class.
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