The Legacy

November 15, 2010

This conclusion to the trilogy that began with Declaration (2007) carries two simple lessons: "Richard Pincent was the most evil man in the whole world" and "a world full of old people completely sucked." The immortality drug Longevity might no longer be working. Though the dastardly Richard Pincent, owner of Longevity, spreads wild tales about Underground terrorists poisoning the Longevity supply, teenage revolutionaries (and Richard's grandsons) Peter and Jude know it's not true. But certainly something is killing Legal people, despite the drug that should be keeping them safe in their placid, middle-class boredom. Perhaps they rely too much on wicked medicine and not enough on Nature's own beautiful circle of life? Peter and Jude frantically attempt to prove their heroism, but events are far beyond their control. Ironically, it's not the young heroes but the generation of those who "outstay their welcome" who will bring about the new Eden: a nearly depopulated, post-pandemic, technophobic farming world. Any subtlety the earlier books may have enjoyed is lost in what is now a straightforward thriller. (Science fiction. 11-13)

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December 1, 2010

Gr 3-6-These hefty, oversize editions of childhood classics include congenial paintings executed by Foreman in previous decades. The artwork is pleasant, but not really dominant here. Though inflated in size, the books employ a traditional layout of illustrated novels with thoughtful, sparing placement of pictures and uninterrupted flow of the original texts. Gentle, often humorous interpretations of characters and events appear in one full-page scene in most chapters; occasional small views and set pieces open and conclude chapters. With paintings that beautifully complement the enduring stories, these might be welcome new editions. Not visually lavish by today's standards, but still showy, they will serve as gift items or for reading aloud in some situations. Libraries with a particular interest in Foreman's work will definitely want them.-Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

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