Time Bomb

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 31, 2018

Review

The school looks like a war zone after the bomb went off, trapping 6 students inside. Even though it is only the week before school, each student had their own reason for being there, unfortunately for them. No one knows who else is in the building, until they stumble upon each other in their desperate search for help and a way out. They hear on a radio they found that the authorities believe the bomber is still inside the building -- who is it? Is it one of them? Can they get over this fear and accusatory nature to work together to get out or will they turn on each other? Is Rashid who wants to feel more himself than what his family allows? Or Tad whose summer crush on a fellow football player has come to a sudden stop? Or what about Diana, whose is practically perfect in every way? And then there is Z.

Character driven, tense, fast-paced, the suspense of Charbonneau's new book will leave readers wondering who could of done such a thing. Explores racism and stereotypes that lead to automatic assumptions of one's character. Recommended for grades 7 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent