Frank Bonham (1914–1988)

This is a book I read a long time ago, probably in the late 80's or early 90's. I didn't remember much about it, except that it involved missing parents, a dying world, and scary policemen.

On a reread, 35ish years later, I found it to be an interesting take on the end of the world. Its definitely aimed at younger tweens - for example, a parent disappearing without taking their kids with them. Or secret societies doing major construction without anyone knowing about it. These are things kids show more don't necessarily question, but adults do. I also found the totalitarisim society improbable - for example, I can't imagine restricting growing vegetables in a world where oxygen is necessary and food is rationed. Or that electricity is monitored, but apparently water is not an area of concern. However, its a book aimed at children, and I don't think this is a detractor when you consider who the audience is.

However, there is a part at the end that was very much part of the weirdness of the 80's. It made no sense, but I suspect the author was making a point about exactly what the missing person's were all about. So overall, I'm glad a I did re-read, but on the whole, its a science fiction book from the 80's, and it feels like it. show less

Avl. on openlibrary.org. Surprisingly good, but not perfect.

Even naive child me would have doubted that the Frankenfoods would have tasted so terrible... think for example of the artificial crap we happily eat now just because it has salt or other seasonings and maybe it's even touted as a new 'superfood.' But the orange air low in oxygen... I totally would have believed that. And the characters are fun (including the variety of adults, and Taurus the atypical bully), and the mystery is fun show more (including references to Dickens, the Beagle, etc.), and the drama is vivid.

Recommended to those who who are intrigued and who can hush their inner cynic, especially youngsters 9-13 or so who aren't spoiled by too much shiny pseudo-sophisticated modern media. I will consider more by the author. show less

I read this book for the first time in 6th grade (it was on the Battle of the Books list) and have loved it ever since. It was my first exposure to the dystopia theme in literature, and certainly left a mark. Bonham is an excellent writer for children - his prose is clear, but he doesn't write down to children (the book is as enjoyable now, at almost-30, as it was at 12.) The plot never drags, and his eye for descriptive details is amazing - he describes the sea as "lemonade colored" - a show more haunting image. This book probably deserves a lot of credit for inspiring environmental awareness in kids (including me!), so its fitting that I bought my copy used. Unfortunately, that was out of necessity, as the book is out of print. show less

My Review: A raw, gritty look at life in the city and the pressures young people face. Hard-hitting and unflinching, it challenges readers to consider how environment shapes choices.