The Last Safe Place on Earth [Paperback]

Richard Peck (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 13, 2005

Todd, 15, thinks life in the quality community of Walden Woods is perfect, until Laurel, his dream girl, comes to babysit for his sister and reveals the forces of fundamentalism and censorship at work in the town.



A provocative new novel by a highly honored author that speaks to today's issues of censorship and fundamentalism.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In this perceptive, chilling look at censorship and religious fanaticism, tenth-grader Todd and his family discover that their secure suburban community is no protection against obsessive, destructive ideas when Todd's little sister is brainwashed into hating and fearing Halloween. The compelling plot and Todd's likeable narrative help bring the complex issues home to young readers. An ALA Best Book for Young Adults.

From Publishers Weekly

Fifteen-year-old Todd sets out to undo the workings of an extremist religious group; in a starred review, PW called this "taut [and] suspenseful... a highly topical tale." Ages 10-up.
- suspenseful... a highly topical tale." Ages 10-up.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Laurel Leaf (December 13, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440220076
• ISBN-13: 978-0440220077
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,455,349 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Richard Peck has written over twenty novels, and in the process has become one of America's most highly respected writers for young adults. A versatile writer, he is beloved by middle graders as well as young adults for his mysteries and coming-of-age novels. He now lives in New York City. In addition to writing, he spends a great deal of time traveling around the country attending speaking engagements at conferences, schools and libraries...Mr. Peck has won a number of major awards for the body of his work, including the Margaret A. Edwards Award from School Library Journal, the National Council of Teachers of English/ALAN Award, and the 1991 Medallion from the University of Southern Mississippi. Virtually every publication and association in the field of children s literature has recommended his books, including Mystery Writers of America which twice gave him their Edgar Allan Poe Award. Dial Books for Young Readers is honored to welcome Richard Peck to its list with Lost in Cyberspace and its sequel The Great Interactive Dream Machine...

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars mind boggling and fun, November 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Last Safe Place On Earth (Hardcover)

This book teaches people about the different thoughts and religions of other people. This book shows how personal thoughts and beliefs can tear apart friends, and even family. In the book, Todd, a high school sophomore, carries on a normal life. He goes to school, works, fights with his siblings, and does teenage things. Then, Laurel comes to babysit his little sister Marnie. Todd thinks she is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Laurel begins to talk to Marnie about what is bad and good, and what will get her to heaven. Laurel tells her that Halloween is bad and involves witches and demons. Marnie had been looking forward to Halloween because she was making her own witch costume. Marnie begins to become frightened by what Laurel is telling her and tells her parents. This brings about a lot of problems within the community. The book ends in a peaceful way with Todd realizing know one is perfect, and everybody is different. I give this book three stars because I really enjoyed reading it, and learned about different religious beliefs.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Last Safe Place on Earth: A Must-Read for All, February 21, 2006

By 

Amanda (Long Island, NY, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Last Safe Place on Earth (Paperback)

When I began reading this book, I was unsure if I would like it or not. But soon after beginning, I found myself caught up in the plotline. The way Peck so vividly describes the world we live in, as well as the false sense of security that many have, struck me. What was particularly fascinating was how he captured the attitudes of high schoolers, how they wish to be "cool", and the uncertainty many people experience below placid facades. This book is a must-read for anyone, young or old, male or female, "cool" or not.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Last Safe Place on Earth, May 14, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Last Safe Place on Earth (Library Binding)

Todd, the main character in the book is in tenth grade. Everyone in his town thinks they live in a picture perfect town and community. They soon realize that not everything is what it seems. They also find out that outside forces are not going to stop influencing their towns and their children. Todd's little sister starts getting horrible nightmares and wakes up screaming in the night. The parents think that removing all the bad books from the library will eliminate the nightmares and influences that books, TV/media have on kids. It is a story about censorship and trying to keep kids in a "bubble" away from the rest of the world. I enjoyed this book because it was easy to understand and it was a good mystery and suspenseful book.