A new boy, Bran Slocum was different. He had a secret and when everyone found out about it, it got bad. Stephanie Tolan described everyone and the plot very well, but I just did not get into this book. I don't think this book was very realistic because people didn't act that way then. If this was set back in the 50's it would of been perfect time period. This book had me thinking at the beginning, but towards the middle it went bad.

I think the book was a good book, but I'm sensitive. If you don't care about anyone this isn't a good book for you. If you do care this book is great. Bran is different and every one judges him on his appearence and doesn't get to know him. It makes you think about they way people are treated. It has very bad stereo types. Nick(the bully)is a typical jock and Kristin(the girlfreind)is a typical cheerleader. It judges the people from their appearecces and careers.

When you read The Plague Year, many questions come to your mind - Have I done anything like this? Do I judge people because of their family? Do I listen to gossip and act before learning the truth? How would I feel if this were to happen to me? Stephanie Tolan raises those questions and more in her novel. Bran Slocum is an innocent boy whp eventually pays for the crimes of his father. Molly and David try to help him but do they succeed? This novel is indeed a "teaching" novel because you will learn many things about yourself, society, the media and about how others may view you. I highly recommend this book to all.