From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8-Aller tells the story of the literary genius who created Peter Pan and Never Land, from his birth and early years in Scotland as the 9th of 10 children through his death at the age of 77 in 1937. The book is written in an interesting manner and will hold readers' attention; they come to know the negative aspects of the subject's personality as well as his positive qualities. The facts are well documented and logically organized. Black-and-white reproductions of photographs, caricatures of Barrie, illustrations from his works, and sketches of his own illustrate the text. Many of the old photographs are blurry or of poor quality, but this adds to their feeling of authenticity. This title should be appreciated in collections where patrons love Peter Pan; readers will learn about the man who created the character as well as about the boys who inspired him.
Carol Torrance, Lincoln School Library, Kearny, NJ
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Carol Torrance, Lincoln School Library, Kearny, NJ
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 6-8. This entertaining biography is sure to intrigue young people who know the adventures of the boy who could fly. Aller describes Barrie as Peter personified, a child whose greatest boyhood fear was "that a time would come when I also must give up the games." Aller also views dark incidents in Barrie's life--his failed marriage, for example--resulting in a picture of a prolific and successful writer who loved games yet suffered from migraines and rarely smiled. Readers will find her account of the writing, casting, and production of Barrie's original 1904 play particularly interesting because of its perspectives on child labor laws of the day and on Barrie's writing method. Black-and-white photographs are scattered throughout; source notes and a bibliography are appended. Chris Sherman
