Battle of The Rats
Reviews

“Battle of the Rats is a beautifully designed, excellently crafted book for young readers between 10 and 14. It is modern, fast-paced and well written - an exciting adventure. The portrayal of responsible, loving parents, who discipline their offspring and set parameters, is honest and refreshing. While setting examples in their own lives, they attempt to make their son Moth come to an understanding of the important and worthwhile bonds of friendship and loyalty.

Unlike his best mate, Tom, who is obsessed with weather forecasting, Moth is a typical kid, but with a passion for surfing. Like most teens, he craves popularity, so when some of the “in-crowd” make overtures of friendship, he experiences a conflict of loyalty…

All water-babes, especially those devoted to the surf and surfing culture, will love Sue Whiting’s Battle of the Rats. The evocative description of the ocean throughout the book is spot on. No one who surfs or who loves ocean bathing can deny the integrity of this aspect of the book …”

Dianne Bates, Award Winning Children's Author, taken from her speech at "Battle Launch" 4.3.04

Di's most recent books are The Shape (Allen & Unwin), a CBC Notable Book, and Cinderfella (Aussie Bites, Puffin). Di offers a free weekly online newsletter to those in the children's book industry, and can be contacted on dibates@enterprisingwords.com or www.enterprisingwords.com She is married to award-winning children's author, Bill Condon.


" …The "yuk" factor is strong in this tale, which is told realistically but also with humour, so that Moth, his family and friends (and the rats) spring off the page to create a lively and fascinating story. In the end one almost prefers the animal rats to the human ones! A story that is bound to appeal to many children, especially (dare I say) to boys …"
Anne Hanzl Magpies Vol 19 Issue 2 May 2004

" … Battle of the Rats is an excellent new novel for 10 to 12 year olds. Young readers will feel their skin crawl as they encounter the rats (both animal and human) with Moth. A great blend of action and issue from outstanding author, Sue Whiting …"
Sally Murphy - www.aussiereviews.com

"Battle of the Rats" is an original story, with plenty to say about human nature and the Australian Dream … "Battle of the Rats" pulls no punches. The author treats bullying and family ructions with an honest approach and shows how nice people can sometimes be drawn into no-win situations …"
Sally Odgers Suite101 http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/7033/106372

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