Product Description

‘Racso, a brash and boastful little rodent, is making his way to Thorn Valley, determined to learn how to read and write and become a hero.His bragging and lies get him off to a bad start, but a crisis gives him the opportunity to prove his mettle.A worthy successor [to Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, a Newbery Medal winner by the author's father].' 'BL.

1986 Children's Editors' Choices (BL)
Children's Choices for 1987 (IRA/CBC)
Notable 1986 Childrens' Trade Books in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)
1986 Children's Books (NY Public Library)
Best Science Fiction/Fantasy 1986 (VOYA)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #487616 in Books
• Published on: 1991-08-01
• Released on: 1988-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

From Publishers Weekly
The heroes of the Newbery-winning Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH return in another funny, poignant adventure. Ages 9-12.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-7 This sequel to Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH (Atheneum, 1971), written by O'Brien's daughter, continues the NIMH saga with a focus on the second rodent generation: Timothy, Mrs. Frisby's son, and Racso, son of the rebel rat Jenner. On his way to classes at Thorn Valley, Timothy saves Racso's life but is himself severely injured. Both reach the Utopian colony only to discover that the valley and surrounding farms are to be turned into a tourist lake and campgrounds. Insecure and arrogant when he first arrives, Racso learns more than just how to read. In fact it is he who suggests a plan to save the colonysabotaging the dam site computer. Although the rats' plans fail, the dam opening is postponed by a heroic act of Racso's father. While the continuation of the NIMH story is most welcome, Conly's novel lacks the light touch of O'Brien's work, as well as the richness of character development and description. Timothy, for example, is too perfect a mouse to be very interesting, and the leader Nicodemus is often a tedious moralizer. Racso, on the other hand, is most appealing when he gets into trouble. Mrs. Frisby, Jeremy and Mr. Ages are unfortunately peripheral characters in this story. Conly sets the stage for the next sequel, for one reporter appears to believe that the computer was sabotaged by intelligent rats. Perhaps in the next installment, Racso's joie de vivre will rub off on the other rodents of Thorn Valley.Yvonne A. Frey, Peoria Public Lib . , Ill.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
"Short, fast-pace chapters make this an excellent classroom read-aloud." -- -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's' Books

Customer Reviews

A thoughtful book for grade schoolers
Children who enjoyed _Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH_ will be pleased to find that they can continue the adventure with _Racso and the Rats of NIMH_, regardless of what adults may think. Some criticize this book as being of lower quality than the first, but to the child many of the distinctions are negligible. The first does indeed have a superior story and writing style, and I do personally prefer it, but _Racso.._ is an excellent companion as told from a different point of view. Much like Brian Jacques' Redwall series, these books share settings more than they do characters. Set some time after the first book, _Racso.._ takes place primarily in the school set up by Nicodemus and the other rats of NIMH to teach young mice and rats and fulfill their plan of making their kind independant of mankind. To adults, the story may seem less magical than the first because it incorporates more elements of human life and interaction rather than creating a separate society (as in _Watership Down_), but as a child I did not see the difference. Indeed, the idea of the young mice going to school only made logical sense to me, and in hindsight I believe it may even have given me a greater appreciation for education.

Does not live up to the original novel
"Racso and the Rats of NIMH" stands on its own as an average children's book. Despite a predictable and generic plotline, it has some cute and funny moments. Plus, I think younger readers can sympathize and identify with the lead character, Racso, and his troubles adjusting to life all on his own in a new home and new school.

However, as a sequel to Robert O'Brien's "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH", Conly's novel falls short in many ways. The latter is clearly directed at a simpler-minded audience, leaving nothing up to the imagination, no room to imagine and dream. The beautifully unresolved ending of "Mrs. Frisby," which I consider one of the most memorable and poignant endings of any children's book I've read, is in "Racso" completely downplayed, even cheapened. O'Brien's themes and messages are subtle, allowing the readers to think for themselves and come to their own conclusions; Conly presents her ideas so directly and unimaginatively, they seem to jump out and slap you in the face.

While Conly's characters may be appealing to children, they seem stereotyped and unconvincing compared to the vividly realistic personalities O'Brien gave to his original cast. Similarly, I thought Conly focused too much on trying to make 'hero' characters who single-handedly saved the day, rather than weaving threads of interdependence throughout the story as O'Brien did.

Over all, "Racso" is a typical young-childrens' book that is neither great nor terrible. However, its lack of continuity with the original makes it a disappointing sequel.

Very good!
"Racso and the Rats of NIMH" is one of the best books I have ever read. It's about a rat named Racso who has always wanted to be a scientist. So Racso ran away from home in the city to try to learn to read and write. During this time a young mouse by the name of Timothy was going to school in Thorn Valley where the rats of NIMH lived. On his way to school he met Racso. Timothy invited Racso to come to school with him. When they got to Thorn Valley they were four days late because Timothy was usually flown by a crow named Jeremy. The rest is for you to read, and I definitely recommend you do. I really liked the way Jane Leslie Conly put the story together to get the book, and how Racso told tall tales, like his family was very rich and lived in the bottom of a mansion. I thought that was funny. What I didn't like was that the book was too long, way too long to read in two weeks. I read over 200 pages in about a week and on Tuesday I read over 100 pages. I recommend this book to people who like funny adventure stories like the first one, "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH". Review by Jacob Gilden, Duniway School, 4th grade.