Tomorrow, When the War Began (The Tomorrow Series) - Hardcover

Marsden, John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0395706734 ISBN 13: 9780395706732

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers, 1995

Synopsis

When Ellie and six of her friends return home from a camping trip deep in the bush, they find things hideously wrong -- their families gone, houses empty and abandoned, pets and stock dead. Gradually they begin to comprehend that their country has been invaded and everyone in the town has been taken prisoner. As the horrible reality of the situation becomes evident they have to make a life-and-death decision: to run back into the bush and hide, to give themselves up to be with their families, or to stay and try to fight. This reveting, tautly-drawn novel seems at times to be only a step away from today's headlines.

About this title

About the Author

John Marsden’s highly praised series concludes in this thrilling installment that will bring readers to the edge of their seats and keep them there until the last page is turned. John Marsden is one of Australia’s best-known writers for young adults. His work has received critical acclaim and has earned a cultlike following worldwide. The popular Tomorrow series has been translated into seven languages and has sold over one million copies in Australia alone.

Reviews

Grade 8 Up?Australian teenager Ellie and six of her friends return from a winter break camping trip to find their homes burned or deserted, their families imprisoned, and their country occupied by a foreign military force in league with a band of disaffected Australians. As their shock wears off, the seven decide they must stick together if they are to survive. After a life-threatening skirmish with the occupiers, the teens retreat to their isolated campsite in the bush country and make plans to fight a guerilla war against the invaders. Writing in a distinct voice and showing rare intelligence and sensitivity, Ellie recounts their courageous battles against the Goliath in control of their land. She also records her feelings and observations about the romantic partnerships that develop within her small circle of friends, and shows how they mature and blossom during this time of crisis. Though readers are left wondering whether these heroes and heroines will survive (one is severely wounded at the end of the novel), Ellie's uncommonly honest and clear narration makes this coming-of-age adventure a story they won't forget. Fast-paced and provocative, it's a natural for book talking.?Jack Forman, Mesa College Library, San Diego
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 9^-12. When Ellie and her friends return from a camping trip deep in the bush, they find that their country has been invaded and their families taken prisoner. A fax left by one of their parents warns them to "go bush," but that is easier said than done. First, they have to evade patrols, rescue one of their crew, blow up the bridge that serves as the main artery for the invading forces, and, eventually, grow up. In the midst of all the action, Marsden manages to work in a Swiss Family Robinson survival element, a little romance, and a lot of internal turmoil about man's justifications for hurting other human beings. In short, this suspenseful adventure story has something for everyone and just enough insight into what makes us tick in times of stress to allow readers to overlook the implausibility of the premise. It also provides an interesting look at the lives and concerns of Australian teens. Jeanne Triner

Edition details

• Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0395706734
• ISBN 13: 9780395706732
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 288