Misunderstood

March 21, 2016
Toor (On the Road to Find Out) artfully weaves extensive research and personal enthusiasm into a humorous treatise on the merits of rats, “perhaps the world’s most unfairly reviled species,” as pets. In a book that serves, in part, as a memoir of Toor’s late pet, Iris, she tackles head-on the visceral objections of many (“Fleas spread plague, people! Not rats”) and extols the charms of the domesticated rat. In chapters ranging from practical (“Get Thee to a Rattery” covers where to acquire a pet rat) to discursive, Toor addresses key
concerns for any potential rat-owner, including their sociable nature, food and exercise requirements, health concerns, and short lifespan. Drawbacks—such as rats’ need for attention, tendency to stash items in shoes, and ability to get lost even in small apartments—are often embedded in endearing anecdotes. While Toor is unapologetically gushy (one photo of her pet is captioned “Iris, the poochiesnoogins honeymunchkin”), the book is well targeted to animal-loving teens, and Toor’s conversational tone, wealth of information, and ebullience could sway many skeptics. Ages 12–up. Agent: Elise Capron, Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency.

August 1, 2016

Gr 6 Up-Have you ever considered owning a pet rat? Would you believe that rats make great, low-maintenance pets? Toor aims to reverse negative attitudes toward rats by informing readers of their pleasant nature and many amazing abilities and providing some personal anecdotes about her own rat, Iris. Hesitant readers will immediately be drawn in by the first line of the introduction: "For three and a half years I was in love with someone the size of a hot dog bun." Toor mixes humor with genuine affection as she details how she came to appreciate rats while also debunking some common myths students may be familiar with. For instance, she clarifies that rats alone did not cause the Black Plague; rather, it was the fleas that lived on them (which carried the disease in the form of a bacterial microbe) that were largely responsible. In addition, she briefly covers the concepts of evolution, genetics, and domestication to show how environment and circumstance can influence how a creature develops and acts. The true highlight of this work is the relationship between Toor and Iris during a challenging period in Toor's life (her mother was diagnosed with cancer). Students will feel close to the loving and sweet-tempered Iris. However, tenderhearted readers should be warned that Toor's mother and Iris both die. The author includes material on ratteries (rat breeders), different rat varieties (based on color and coat), and questions to consider before opting for a pet rat. VERDICT A delightful addition to any library or classroom's creative nonfiction section.-Elizabeth Anne Ragain, Springfield Public Schools, MO

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