Nation by Terry Pratchett

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pratchett, Terry. 2008. Nation. New York, NY: HarperCollins Children’s Books. ISBN 9780061433023

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Mau, a young native islander, is the sole survivor after an enormous wave hits his island. At the same time, Daphne, a dignified young lady from England, finds that she is the only one alive after her boat crashes into the forest of Mau’s island. Together Mau and Daphne, two people from such different lifestyles and native tongues, try to form a new life. As survivors from different islands gradually land ashore in desperate need, Mau and Daphne struggle to feed, house, and heal the people, and at the same time, they try to unite and create a new nation. It also proves to be a time for personal turmoil as Mau struggles to understand the faith and spirituality that he has grown up with. Amidst such serious issues and additional problems, Terry Pratchett manages to intertwine bits of humor throughout the story. Readers will find themselves laughing at the description of Mau trying to milk a pig and the birds that continuously regurgitate. Nation is a unique book that is engaging and hard to put down.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In Nation, author Terry Pratchett creates two very strong main characters, Mau and Daphne. This aspect alone will appeal to both males and females since they can identify with one or the other. He continues to vividly describe other pertinent characters as they are introduced. The theme of survival and personal struggles are effectively portrayed through each scenario. Pratchett carefully creates a story of such a serious nature but manages to incorporate humor as well, and the result is an irresistible read. His text is easy to read, the setting is believable, and the dialogues are enjoyable. He uses everyday language and brings out a myriad of emotions. These two young people create a new nation, and the descriptions of all that they must undertake is done beautifully.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: Starred Review – “Quirky wit and broad vision make this a fascinating survival story on many levels.”
KIRKUS: Starred Review – “A searching exploration of good and evil, fate and free will, both as broad and as deep as anything this brilliant and, happily, prolific author has produced so far.”
THE HORN BOOK: “The unique pleasure of this story is that all the serious subjects and juicy ethical questions, such as the dilemma of the compassionate lie, are fully woven into action and character.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The main characters are engaging and interesting, and are the perfect medium for the author's sly humor.”
Michael L. Printz Award, 2009 Honor Book United States
Odyssey Award, 2009 Honor
Locus Award, 2009 Finalist
School Library Journal Battle of the (Kids') Books, 2009 Nominee

5. CONNECTIONS
• Other good survival stories are:
O’Dell, Scott. ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS. ISBN 9780547424835
Paulsen, Gary. HATCHET. ISBN 0689840926
Pfeffer, Susan. LIFE AS WE KNEW IT. ISBN 0152058265
• More teen books written by Terry Pratchett:
Pratchett, Terry. THE AMAZING MAURICE AND HIS EDUCATED RODENTS. ISBN
006001234X
Pratchett, Terry. THE WEE FREE MEN. ISBN 0060012366