The One

Darleen R. Golke is a high-school teacher-librarian in Winnipeg,
Manitoba.

The Prism Awards, a national program established to give children 7 to
14 an opportunity to become professionally trained young authors,
encouraged the publication of these latest works in the Kids Netword’s
Senior Series.

In The One, when an ethical physician in the land of Eden decides to
change an experiment, Thomas Adams emerges and develops. Like all other
Edenites, Thomas wakes, eats, works, eats, and sleeps until The One,
Eden’s deity, Mark Rawly, takes an interest in him. Thomas’s life
changes enormously as he learns the secrets of The One, and the story
moves on to a surprising climax.

In The Falcon, Erin Michelon, vacationing with her family at Terrace
Bay, finds an injured peregrine falcon. With the assistance of a
veterinarian, who pins the injured falcon’s wing, Erin nurses the
peregrine back to health and reluctantly releases him back into the
wild. Kramer’s story details Erin’s experiences to a painful
conclusion.

Both stories reflect the imagination and strong sense of language of
the young authors. Douglas Thompson’s colored illustrations complement
The Falcon, while those of Christopher Moulson emphasize the theme of
darkness that runs throughout The One. Nature-loving young readers will
appreciate Erin’s experiences with the peregrine falcons. Adolescent
readers will enjoy the science-fiction aspect of Thomas’s journey to
enlightenment. Both books are recommended.