Half Brother

(Paperback)

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Description

An open, warm, tear-jerking novel that will appeal to all readers from 12 upwards. Ben Tomlin has been an only child for thirteen years. So when his research-scientist parents bring home a baby chimp to raise as a human child, Ben's life is turned upside-down. Teaching a baby chimp how to understand language is not his idea of fun, especially when he's trying to settle in at his new school. But it isn't long before Zan's infectious personality endears him to everyone and he becomes a real member of the family. But just what will happen when he grows up and the experiment comes to an end Ben must take dramatic steps, and the repercussions ricochet through his home and community with devastating results. This phenomenal novel is a thought-provoking story of relationships and family, first love, growing up, ethics and dilemmas.

Reviews

Compulsively readable, extraordinarily gripping and moving * The Bookseller *
His own imaginative empathy creates a cast of always credible characters, whether chimp or human * Books for Keeps *

Author Bio

Kenneth Oppel is one of the great contemporary storytellers. His first novel was published when he was eighteen years old. Since then, he has won extraordinary acclaim for his imaginative works, including the Silverwing trilogy and the Airborn series. The novel Airborn won both a Printz Honor and the Governor General's Award. His last novel Half Brother was named both Children's Book of the Year and Best Young Adult Book of the Year by the Canadian Library Association. Kenneth Oppel lives in Toronto with his family and can be found online at www.kennethoppel.ca