We have read several of Doctorow's YA books and appreciate how he always chooses a current technology debate for the basis of his story. If you're a fan of his, you'll want to read Pirate Cinema.
By reassembling film footage on his computer, Trent constructs new movies and essentially breaks several laws. But he's a brilliant hacker and knows how to cover his digital tracks- at least that's what he believes until the British government knocks down his door. Now, his family is cut-off from all internet access for an entire year! When your life and all that you need to accomplish during the day is web-based, not having access can destroy you. Trent, feeling bad about what he has done (or that he got caught), runs away and meets a homeless man named Jem. Trent learns all about living on the streets from Jem and discovers that quite a life can had using what has been discarded by others.
While it wasn't something we despised, it just wasn't one that we will ever want to read again. Doctorow has given us some food for thought concerning Copyright Laws and digital rights, but it was pretty heavy handed. If this is your first introduction to Doctorow, we suggest you begin with Little Brother or For the Win.
Next up- Rebel Heart by Moira Young, Nov. 16th
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