MARVELOUS MIDDLE
GRADE MONDAY
Below the Root: Book
1 of The Green Sky Trilogy
By Zilpha Keatley
Snyder
In the last few years I’ve been finding and reading middle
grade Newbery Honor books and Newbery authors’ other books. “Below the Root: The Green Sky, Book 1,”
by Zilpha Keatley Snyder, was one trilogy and one author I especially enjoyed.
I’d planned to read more of her books, when they became available in my local
digital library. Then on October 8, 2014, I read that Ms. Snyder had died in San Francisco. I was
saddened that she’d no long be with us writing books I love, and sorry I hadn’t
known she was just “up the road” in San Francisco. At the time, I was
struggling with deadlines, disability, holidays, and remodeling projects to officially
acknowledger her passing last fall. Belatedly, the next few Marvelous Middle
Grade Mondays will be dedicated to honor Zilpha Keatley Snyder, her books, and
her contribution to middle grade literature.
In The Green Sky Trilogy, Ms. Snyder has created a sort of
Utopia where the Kindar people live in peace without violence—without unkind
words or negative thoughts. The people live high in the treetops and glide from
tree to tree, fearful of the evil Pash-shan, who live below, steal children,
and hunt on the forest floor. The Kindar’s governing or ruling body is the spiritual
Ol-Zhaan. They watch over the people and make all the decisions—for the good of
the people, or so it would seem.
Thirteen year old Raamo D’ok has been chosen to join the
ranks of the Ol-zhaan because of his strong “Spirit force.” During his training
he’ll discover things about his world and the Ol-zhaan that will shake his
beliefs and test his courage. He’ll have to choose to follow and reveal the
truth about Green Sky, and the people living below, or live the exalted “good”
life of a Chosen. If he chooses the truth,
will his world be lost?
This is a great dystopian fantasy and an allegory about what
happens when people give up their freedom, letting others make their decisions
and shape their beliefs. The beautiful, near-perfect world of the Kindar people
isn’t based on the whole truth. Things are hidden and secrets abound. The
exalted Ol-zhaan enjoy wealth, privilege and power at the expense of the truth.
As we know, “a world divided cannot stand,” It is up to Raamo, his friends
Genaa, and Neric, fellow Ol-zhaan novices, to help save and unite Green Sky.
Highly recommended for ages 12 -16, high middle grade. I
think some advanced 10 and 11 year olds could handle this book and older teens
would also enjoy it.
Information on Zilpha Keatley Snyder is at www.zksnyder.com
Tag:
Zilpha Keatley Snyder, The Green Sky Trilogy, Below the Root, Middle Grade, children's books, fantasy, good v. evil, utopian dystopia, Raamo, Genaa, Neric, Ol-zhaan.
It sounds exciting! Thanks for the review, Penny.
ReplyDeleteHi Connie, this trilogy is very readable and has much to teach about right/wrong, good/evil, hearsay, prejudice, and unchallenged belief systems that limit people. More to come. Blessings,
ReplyDeletePenny