With all the hoopla around "Lord of the Flies" and "Animal Farm" that is presented to children, why not get them started with this younger generation book. A younger rendeition of the aforementioned classics, this is a riveting, fast-packed read.
At the camp of High Pines, a revolution starts by the 'leader' of campers, in hopes of forever change. However, General Frank, the benevolent, fearless leader turns into something far from a utilitarian dictator. The characters are real and will relate well with the younger crowd.
A quick read that is wroth many reads and that will be enjoyed by young and old a like. I think that if you like Harry Potter and his adventures, you will also enjoy Frank and his camping adventure.

I first read this book in 1974 and was very engrossed in it. The characters and the situation were very believable then- I wonder how much so in the early 60s when it was written.

It shows what can happen when we repress people and fail to consider their needs, wants, and aspirations. The revolution never would have happened if the counselors would have made age appropriate activities for all the kids. It never would have gone as far as it did if it had a definite ending.

From my perspective as a teacher and watching Columbine and other similar situations, I'm sorry to say that the nightmare is now here, and what will happen later depends on what we choose to do.

Actually, this book wasn't my first choice. Based on the review I read online, it seemed like a dull infantile account of a child at camp. However, I decided to try it after The Merchant Of Venice bored me to tears. From the first page I was hooked. First of all, I livhe fact that the book is in journal format and it happens to work extraordinarily well for this plotline. Also, the characters are either very clear antagonists or protagonists, so I didn't he to wonder if everything was as it seemed. The author did a great job establishng a simple, clear-cut scenario, witout a great multitude of distractions. However, I found one drawback to this story. I understand the concept of suspension of disbelief, but I d the concpt to be a bit too implausible. If you can overlook this, though, this books for you.

The new edition is easier to read than the 1998 edition. Only the essential income tax provisions are included, so it isn't an absolutely complete source, but I can't imagine that there is anything you really need to know that isn't in this book. The regulations and code provisions are tabbed with a margin index on the back cover, so the individual sections are really easy to locate--saves the time of tabbing before the exam.