The Transall Saga (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)
by Gary Paulsen
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Book Summary Information
Author: Gary PaulsenEdition: School & Library Binding
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1999-11-01
ISBN: 0613229487
Number of pages: 248
Publisher: Turtleback
Book Reviews of The Transall Saga (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)
Book Review: Highly Recommended by Middle School Teacher
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a teacher, and try to read most books that we have in our school library for children and teens. I'd have to characterize this story as a man-against-nature adventure-fantasy science-fiction coming-of-age novel. It was one of the best books I've read this year. The book is a real page-turner. I couldn't put it down, and read the whole thing in a day (I'm a fast reader).
It is the story of a young teen-aged boy who gets transported into another world, which we later find out is actually the Earth, in a future time. He first has to learn how to survive on the new planet, and then he eventually comes in contact with several new groups of people, who are all at war with each other. He survives slavery, to become free, and a warrior, while all the time searching for the blue light that will take him home. After a number of years, he gives up, deciding to make his life in the new world. Unfortunately, the ruler of that world, who also came from Mark's time, is his deadly enemy. This is a fascinating book with a little of something for everyone--and also manages to have nothing inappropriate for children or teens. I recommend this book for mature 11-year-olds, all the way up to adult. I loved it myself!
Summary of The Transall Saga (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)
FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. While backpacking in the desert, 13-year-old Mark falls into a tube of blue light and is transported into a more primitive world, where he must use his knowledge and skills to survive.Gary Paulsen, author of several books of high adventure and survival--including the Newbery Honor winners Dogsong, Hatchet, and The Winter Room--this time brings readers a science fiction tale reminiscent of Planet of the Apes. The Transall Saga follows 13-year-old Mark on his first solo desert camping trip. After stepping into a mysterious beam of light, Mark is transported to another place--a strange and hostile world. As Mark tries to find his way back home, he learns to survive in this dangerous jungle, calling on reserves of strength he didn't know he had. Encountering wild creatures, primitive tribes, and a more advanced and warlike group of humans, the young protagonist is forced to grow up before he can return to the life he once knew. In the process, he becomes a slave, a warrior, and falls in love--all before the mystery of exactly where he is becomes clear.
As an adventure story and coming-of-age tale, The Transall Saga makes for gripping reading. While the account of Mark carving a new life in a place both strangely familiar and totally alien is cleverly imagined, the science fiction elements are, unfortunately, not nearly as well thought out. Still, fans of Paulsen's other works will find much to enjoy here, including vivid characters, exotic locations, and feral beasts that will not soon be forgotten. (Ages 10 to 15) --Neil Roseman
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