The Power of One [condensed version] by Bryce Courtenay Grades 6+ 304 pages Delacorte September 2005 Hardcover     Absolutely brilliant! This book brought me to tears and moments of righteous jubilation… I was inspired, wrought with anger… and would definitely read this book more than just once. The main character is a young British boy named Peekay. The Power of One takes us through his life from age five to eleven, beginning in 1939. The setting occurs in South Africa during World War II. The incidents surrounding the boarding school are nothing like anything I have read before – perhaps Lord Of The Flies might come close to these scenes. Readers will explore self-confidence and conduct in life, learn about apartheid, African prisons, and African history. The characters who help the young boy along the way may have viewed their moments with the young lad as trivial; however, to the boy, they are monumental events that influence the choices he will face in the future. I related to many of these scenes, having been on my own at just over 13. Many of these such monumental moments and individuals have influenced my own life. Bryce Courtenay, author of at least 10 other novels, brings to readers a realistic and emotional view of African citizens. The prejudice between Rooinecks, Afrikaners and the natives of Africa is so clear and sharp that readers can almost smell and taste the scenes. Interestingly, the entire book is written in first person, through the eyes of the little boy. This young adult (ages 10 – 18) hardcover book is both educational and fictional and an obvious classic.   web reviews   Lillian Brummet/2007 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)