LITTLE BROTHER is set in the not too distant future in San Francisco. Marcus and his friends have ditched school to play Harajuku F'uii Madness when a terrorist attacks the city. When found in the vicinity of the attack they get detained by the Department of Homeland Security. Marcus is released after being imprisoned for several days. After he is free he is determined to uncover the illegal behavior of the DHS.
Marcus is a very believable character. He is a teenager who has typical problems such as fighting with his friends, getting in trouble at school and developing a relationship with a girl friend. In his review of the book, Chris Shoemaker writes that “Marcus is a wonderfully developed character: hyperaware of his surroundings, trying to redress past wrongs, and rebelling against authority” (2008). The other characters are not as well developed as Marcus but are still believable.
Teens will be able to relate to Marcus trying to figure out his problems on his own. He doesn’t feel like his mom or dad will understand or accept him if they knew his true feelings and his actions. Marcus finally breaks down and shares what is going on with his mom. “I took a deep breath…and I told her everything. Everything. Well, most of it.” (page 251).
The theme of this book seems to be finding the strength to stand up for your beliefs. Marcus knows he wants to uncover the unjustness of the Department of Homeland Security’s treatment of its prisoners and the tracking of everyone in the city. He just isn’t sure how he can do that without getting himself arrested. At times during the story he doubts himself and his motives, but he always comes back around to the unfair treatment by the DHS.
There is quite a bit of technology jargon used in the book, but it was not overwhelming even for a non-techie like me. Doctorow explains everything in very simple terms so the reader does not lose their focus on the story. It was very interesting to read how Marcus used the Xbox to bypass government security on the Internet. “Teen espionage fans will appreciate the numerous gadgets made from everyday materials” (Shoemaker 2008).
Invasion of privacy is also a big part of the book. After the terrorist attacks the DHS starts tracking peoples every movement. Where they use their debit card, what bus they get on, what traffic lights and toll booths they pass and even more.
This book will really make the reader think about what could happen in the future as the government tries to keep America safe from further terrorist attacks.
Reference List:
Shoemaker, Chris. “Review of Little Brother.” School Library Journal 54, no 5 (2008): 121. http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2056/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=4&hid=113&sid=a92428dd-9a2b-449e-b306-7683bd04afca%40sessionmgr110 (accessed November 1, 2011).
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