As an older person without children or grandchildren I rarely read children's literature; I think this (and Peter and Wendy last week) are the first sAs an older person without children or grandchildren I rarely read children's literature; I think this (and Peter and Wendy last week) are the first since the Harry Potter series. I read the book because I saw the out-of-NYC premiere of the stage version at the Utah Shakespeare Festival earlier this month. I would estimate (although I am a poor judge) that the novel is aimed at a fourth to fifth grade audience, and the play perhaps a year or two later, but still in the preteen range (despite a few passages added for "crossover appeal".)
Although (unlike the play) the book never refers to Peter as "Peter Pan" (or to the pirate captain as "Hook") it is clearly intended as a "prequel" to that children's classic -- a very different and more realistic background than that provided by J.M. Barrie in the original Kensington Garden story. The plot is essentially a simple and straightforward fantasy-adventury. Molly, a strong female character, shares the lead about equally with Peter; they seem to be ten or eleven, although they pretend to be fourteen, and while they become close friends there is no romantic interest -- another sign that this is a preteen book.
Comparing the book to the play: the play is more concentrated, and eliminates or merges at least one important subplot of the book, concerning a separate set of villains (the crew of the Never Land). The play also emphasizes the comic attributes more, especially of the villain Black Stache. The book is slightly more detailed, and motivates some of the action better. I prefer the ending of the book; the play is more concerned with fitting onto the later story.
I think this would be a good, fast-paced and interesting book for the intended audience....more
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