Forbidden City

For a book that is intended for someone younger than me I didn't expect it to be so raw and hard hitting. My younger brother's grade nine class is reading it and he liked it so much I had to check it out. It is a serious book and inspired a real political conversation out of a 14 year old boy who is not a huge fan of books or very political aware.

William Bell has done it again with this powerful novel, Forbidden City. The story of the protestors and the military rule come alive as Alex and his dad work to document the events of the Tian An Men Square massacre in 1989. The sharp details of the story, engaging characters and suspensful action put this novel at its best advantage - you almost forget it is a work of fiction. Bell packs a lot into his 274 page novel - it was an easy read but could have easily been longer and equally enjoyable.

Thoroughly enjoyable fictional telling of the Tienanmen Square massacre from the eyes of a teenage boy. We get to see the different perspectives and feeling of the time through the characters. Excellent and easy read for a social studies class.

A truly amazing story, suited for all ages from young adult to adults. This story tells the reader about a Canadian child who is the son of a somewhat famous reporter, who are both soon headed to Beijing. They are met by unbelievable events, and danger as the government becomes unstable.

This book holds a lot of meaning, and is completely fabulous in its writing. It has made me understand quite a bit more about war, and what it can do to a city, families, and everyone around. William Bell packs many suspenseful moments, strong tear-jerking, and heartbreaking moments within this amazing historic novel.

The book is about the Tian An Men Square massacre in Beijing in June 1989.
Alex, a 17-year old Canadian finds himself there with his father, a reporter for the CBC.
The book offers a day-by-day account of what happened, information on Chinese
history, culture and language, a basic course on communism, and all that in a fast paced thriller form. Excellent.

This is an amazing book! I recommend it to all ages. It is suspensful, and keeps you on you toes.

A first rate youth novel...I use it for a Grade 11 novel study.