The Ooze

Bran is in the apartment complex’s elevator, taking down the recycling, when the elevator stops. This is not unusual, but a dead phone and no one coming to his rescue as he bangs on the elevator door is different. Bran doesn’t understand how different this is until his return to his unit when he hears ominous sounds and senses danger. He sees his neighbour, Mr. Fernandez, normally smiling, is “wearing a twisted expression… And there is something black and gooey all over him.”

After Bran’s encounter with his mother (See “Excerpt”.), escape via his second-floor balcony seems the only option. He confronts countless beings like his mother and Mr. Fernandez heading north in a disorganized manner. He connects with three other young people who have managed to escape being corrupted. Suspenseful, page-turning adventures lead them to the harbour where the four of them are able to save their community.

As one would expect from the hi-lo genre, The Ooze is a plot driven novel. Bran is fleshed out somewhat as readers learn he is transitioning from female to male, has a boyfriend and has an English assignment weighing on his mind. Consistent with the intended audience, the book contains vernacular familiar to high school-aged students.

One glitch which might hinder comprehension occurs at the end of Chapter Four and the beginning of Chapter Five: “It reaches out with pale hands and grabs hold of Bran’s leg.” “ Its black encrusted hands pull at the fabric of Bran’s jeans.”

For those working in a high school, the new “Orca Anchor” series is a welcome tool in the quest to engage teen readers. This edge-of-your-seat adventure will be welcome in schools and public libraries looking to reach out to this population.