Beneath

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 6, 2016

Review

Our hero Pat has an older brother who is a runaway. Coop is different than most teens; he is not interested in technology, has few friends and loves to tunnel under earth. The stage is set for an underground adventure as Pat goes to NYC in search of Coop where the tunnels are centuries old.

Practical issues are frivolous here; Smith has created an entirely alternate world below ground. While the first part of the book introduces parents and life at home they are not the meat of the book, what matters is when the action starts once Pat lowers himself below the city. The use of multiple fonts helps the reader follow the action to distinguish current discussion, recorded messages, and signage. Pre-teens and teens that enjoy adventure stories will be pleased with this new title by an author who understands his readers.

Overall Book Score: good