BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:
Pratchett, Terry. 2008. NATION. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 9780061433023
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
After a tsunami destroys his island village, Mau begins to believe that he may be the only survivor. Then Mau comes across Daphne, a young “ghost girl” who managed to miraculously survive the destructive wave from aboard a ship. Mau and Daphne soon discover that they are complete opposites who do not even speak the same language. Daphne views Mau as somewhat of a “savage” native, while she is a wealthy and “Honorable Miss” from the other side of the world. Despite their drastic differences, both characters are easily likeable, and their differences and attempts at communication are often humorous and entertaining. As the two cling to each other in a land that has lost virtually everything, they face the most exciting and dangerous adventure of their young lives. As more survivors arrive in the island, the adventurous plot thickens even further. Mau must figure out a way to feed a starving baby whose mother is extremely ill, and Daphne must help a pregnant woman give birth with no knowledge or experience of childbirth. NATION clearly takes place in another time and place, allowing readers to transcend their realities and transport themselves into this fascinating adventure. The fast-paced plot and exotic setting add appeal to the story, and any adventure fan will undoubtedly jump headfirst into this fantastic tale. Pratchett tackles the classic survival story of man versus nation in a unique and clever way that is certain to grab readers’ attention and not let go until the very end.
CONNECTIONS:
Since Mau and Daphne are such strong characters that differ greatly from each other in some ways (yet have other things in common), have students do a character comparison of the two characters.
Students might enjoy writing a diary entry from Mau’s or Daphne’s perspective (or both).
The setting for this story is not specifically stated. Invite students to see if they can determine what type of time and place this story takes place in. For an extension activity, students could write about or draw this “alternative” setting, describing it in detail.
REVIEWS AND AWARDS:
From BOOKLIST starred (August 2008):
“Broad in its scope and concrete in its details, this unusual novel strips away the trappings of two very different nations to consider what it is people value and why. Certain scenes are indelible: Mau’s nonverbal communication to Daphne that a pregnant woman has landed, and she must help with the birth; or the terrifying yet awesome descent into a cave. Quirky wit and broad vision make this a fascinating survival story on many levels.”
“Broad in its scope and concrete in its details, this unusual novel strips away the trappings of two very different nations to consider what it is people value and why. Certain scenes are indelible: Mau’s nonverbal communication to Daphne that a pregnant woman has landed, and she must help with the birth; or the terrifying yet awesome descent into a cave. Quirky wit and broad vision make this a fascinating survival story on many levels.”
From HORN BOOK starred (January 2009):
“The historical era is an alternative nineteenth century. Serious subjects and juicy ethical questions are fully woven into action and character. Add a romance, encounters with ghosts, and lots of gunfire, and it's hard to imagine a reader who won't feel welcomed.”
“The historical era is an alternative nineteenth century. Serious subjects and juicy ethical questions are fully woven into action and character. Add a romance, encounters with ghosts, and lots of gunfire, and it's hard to imagine a reader who won't feel welcomed.”
From LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION starred (January 2009):
“The reader will come to care for these two characters as they struggle to rebuild their lives and society. There is a cast of colorful and interesting supporting characters to move the plot to its satisfying conclusion. Fans of Terry Pratchett will find this an engrossing action story. Highly Recommended.”
“The reader will come to care for these two characters as they struggle to rebuild their lives and society. There is a cast of colorful and interesting supporting characters to move the plot to its satisfying conclusion. Fans of Terry Pratchett will find this an engrossing action story. Highly Recommended.”
ALA Notable Children’s Book 2009
ALA Best Book for Young Adults 2009
2009 Boston Globe – Horn Book Award Winner2009
Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book
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