Golden Rat
It is no secret that 16-year-old Baoliu resents his father’s new wife. So when the new wife turns up dead, Baoliu quickly becomes the main suspect. At the trial, no one, not even Baoliu’s family, speaks up in his defense, so the judge has no choice but to sentence the boy to death. The night before the execution, Baoliu’s father comes with bitter news. Baoliu will be set free, but only because his father has paid for a substitute to die in his place. Once he is free, this gruesome ritual plagues Baoliu. He is shunned and harassed by people in the street, and his own family will no longer speak with him; so he is forced to live on the street and forage for food. In a desperate attempt to understand what has happened, he seeks out the family of the man who died in his place.
This intense mystery set in Yongjia, China in the year 1199 will hook readers who like punchy action, a little history and a new twist on the urban survival tale. Wulffson includes occasional Chinese dialogue to lend authenticity, though many of the English phrasings sound far too modern for the time period. Baoliu is a sympathetic, though not fully-developed character. However, the length (168 pages), action and fast-pace make this a good choice for young readers interested in the topic.
DweebMeter: 2.75/5
If you like this book, check out Don Wulffson’s critically acclaimed Soldier X, a story about a boy who is unwillingly recruited into Hitler’s children’s army.
Oct 25, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Don Wulffson was my creative writing teacher when I was in high school. I can tell you that he is/was one of the most memorable instructors I’ve ever had. He is a genius!