Not Just for Children Anymore! —CBC

2000

Washington Post Book World

"Whensday's distinctive voice, a blend of childish grammar, euphemisms and lyric imagery … cushions the horror … Rapp, a playwright and author of the acclaimed young-adult novels Missing the Piano and The Buffalo Tree, has crafted a haunting and original work that, like The Handmaid's Tale, closes with at least a glimmer of hope for the human spirit."

Booklist

"Rapp's use of language is masterful ... this raw-voiced story is both distinctive and unique, with Rapp's grim vision brilliantly executed. The fine writing and Whensday's refusal to give in to despair will resonate with thoughtful readers."

School Library Journal

"The matter-of-fact first-person narrative is intense ... While the subject matter is wretched, Rapp's "future speak" becomes almost melodic while describing events, feelings, and actions that are raw, searing, violent, and frightening ... there is a positive message: despite all odds, survival, even in these worst of circumstances, is possible."

Washington Post Book World

"Whensday's distinctive voice, a blend of childish grammar, euphemisms and lyric imagery … cushions the horror … Rapp, a playwright and author of the acclaimed young-adult novels Missing the Piano and The Buffalo Tree, has crafted a haunting and original work that, like The Handmaid's Tale, closes with at least a glimmer of hope for the human spirit."

Booklist

"Rapp's use of language is masterful ... this raw-voiced story is both distinctive and unique, with Rapp's grim vision brilliantly executed. The fine writing and Whensday's refusal to give in to despair will resonate with thoughtful readers."

School Library Journal

"The matter-of-fact first-person narrative is intense ... While the subject matter is wretched, Rapp's "future speak" becomes almost melodic while describing events, feelings, and actions that are raw, searing, violent, and frightening ... there is a positive message: despite all odds, survival, even in these worst of circumstances, is possible."

Kirkus Reviews

"Rapp crafts another lurid shocker … Often gripping, sometimes blackly funny … this will remind readers of Russell Hoban's Ridley Walker and other tales of post-apocalyptic devastation."

Horn Book

"Whensday's gripping narration describes the hellish landscape so skillfully that readers will find themselves gasping for air."

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"This is deftly and convincingly constructed, and young adults who read for the pleasures of darkness will find it grimly satisfying."