Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

• ISBN: 978-0765319852
• Plot summary: Marcus and his friends are a bit more savvy than the average computer user--they blow up RFID tags, elude the gait recognition software at their school, and avoid their school's internet filter by working their way through an Onion Router. Armed with their savvy skills, the group sets out for a harmless game of Harajuku Fun Madness and find themselves locked up at Gitmo-by-the-Bay after the Bay Area goes under terrorist attack. Though Marcus eventually frees himself from imprisonment, not all his friends are so lucky, and he decides to find a way how to subvert the Department of Homeland Security in their so-called attempts to make Bay Area residents feel more secure. As Marcus' actions gain a loyal following, the movement to fight the DHS grows larger and it becomes ever more clear what he must do to protect the freedom of all citizens, even if it means taking on more responsibility than he ever imagined.
• Critical evaluation: This was an inspiring book not just for teens, or computer experts. This book speaks to everyone's ideas on security and maintaining a private life while also having knowledge of what your government is doing and way. In a time when personal liberties are exchanged for matters of security, it becomes important to question who is deeming what is secure and why. This book has a strong message of questioning the life that surrounds you and being an advocate for yourself, even when the world seems to disagree with you. The power of the youth in this novel and their ability to affect such a large organization brings home the realization that it is important, as citizens of our country, that we must always fight for what we believe in, no matter who might be watching.
• Reader's annotation: Marcus set out for a game of Harajuku Fun Madness and found himself at the mercy of Homeland Security. Care to find out how he got out of this mess?
• About the author: Cory Doctorow is a well known blogger and writer.
• Genre: Science fiction
• Curriculum ties, if any: History (terrorism)
• Booktalking ideas:
• What would you do if your privacy was taken away from you?
• What would you do if you were asked to use your knowledge against your friends?
• Reading level/interest age: 15+
• Challenge issues: Sexuality, underage drinking, profanity
• Why was this item included? Required reading for the course.