Ragtag
Karl Wolf-Morgenlander
2009, 225 pages
Juvenile Fiction
Sound the alarm! Boston is under attack!
Boston had been a peaceful city since the formation of the Feathered Alliance, the governing body of city birds that kept it so.
But the city is being threatened by the Talon Empire, raptors moving to the city after their forest homes are lost to human land developers. The Talon Empire is not interested in peace but plans to take the city by force. The rescue of the city birds rests in the hands, er, wings, of an unlikely hero – a happy-go-lucky, irresponsible swallow named Ragtag.
The plot of the story is reminiscent of Brian Jacques's “Redwall” series, although the characters and settings are quite different. As in “Redwall,” the animals have human emotions and personalities and the action revolves around battles and survival. The good guys and bad guys are clearly drawn while still allowing room for personal growth, change and reconciliation.
The book's setting will resonate with families familiar with the major landmarks of Boston. Significant scenes take place in the belfry of Old South Church, the Public Gardens at Boston Common and along the Charles River. Readers will recognize other distinctive features and areas of the city as well.
“Ragtag” is a classic hero's tale, sure to appeal to middle-elementary readers who like action and adventure. A word of caution: This book does contain violence that involves bloodshed and even death, so it might not be the best choice for children who are sensitive to such things.
