Trash Mountain

Gr 3–6—Nutley, a young red squirrel, lives with his doting parents on a small English farm. He longs to explore the outside world: ask questions, explore, perhaps even be as Dangerous as the gray squirrels who have overrun the farm and pose a threat to the reds. Their threat is realized when grays attack and kill Nutley's parents. He is forced to seek refuge in the neighboring landfill where Larie, a seagull, and Naw, a rat help Nutley realize he has more courage than he thinks and that kindness and friendship are more important than being Dangerous. Yolen's clear voice is a benevolent presence, strongly felt in "This You Should Know" paragraphs, which open each chapter. They offer scientific facts about red and gray squirrels along with whimsical speculations which encourage readers to look for meaning behind the facts. Middle grade readers will relate to Nutley's chafing against well-intentioned parental restrictions and his eagerness to discover the complexities of the world. The deceptively simple story, enhanced by rich vocabulary and elegant prose, encourages deeper thought: "There is more meaning here if you would have it be so." Larie and Naw are endearing supporting characters and Yolen has fun naming Naw's rat-children, from "Nawshus" to "Nawmal" and "Nawty." Rustic, finely detailed black-and-white illustrations by Monroe reinforce the novel's environmental subplot; endpapers map helps readers visualize Nutley's world. A quiet gem from a master storyteller.—Marybeth Kozikowski, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY