ROWAN OF RIN
by Emily Rodda
Greenwillow
ISBN: 0060297077
Ages 9-12
151 pages

When the stream full of sweet tasting water runs dry in the village of Rin, the bukshah, or gentle beasts of burden, may die of thirst. The people of Rin could not survive without these animals; they transport not only the townsfolk but their wares, as well, down to the coast to engage in the trade that is their livelihood. And without this trade the village of Rin and the people who inhabit it would not exist.

Young Rowan loves all of the bukshah, but most especially, Star. While Rowan cannot imagine how terrible the loss of the animsls would be, he also cannot fathom what must be done to restore the stream. But he summons all his courage, reluctantly accompanying a group of Rin villagers to the home of Sheba, the old crone and wise woman who knows all about the woods and the village. Sheba mocks and frightens the villagers with tales of what may happen when they attempt to restore water in Rin. The villagers are upset by Sheba's words and think they've wasted their time on her. To make matters worse, Sheba hurls a final insult in the form of a stick aimed at gentle Rowan’s forhead. Later, it is discovered that it was not a stick at all, but instead a very tightly wrapped map of the mountain that can only be read while in Rowan’s hands. Now he must attempt to survive the dangers and treachery that awaits on the mountain.

Not only has Rodda woven a tale of intrigue, suspense and fantasy, she has managed to create the female characters in the story with just as much strength and courage as the males!  ROWAN OF RIN will attract readers for its never ending adventure and characters who defy stereotypes.

    --- Reviewed by Michelle Reale (Metay2@aol.com)

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