Rat Life
Rat Life
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2007
Book Brief
208
Novel • Fiction
Upstate New York • 1970s
2007
YA
11-14 years
HL550L
Super Short Summary
In Tedd Arnold's 2007 novel Rat Life, 14-year-old Todd Anthony's routine summer in Elmore shifts dramatically when he befriends Rat, a 16-year-old Vietnam veteran with a troubled home life. As the boys bond over a shared secret involving a horribly injured puppy, Todd's curiosity about a dead body found in the river deepens. His search for answers and Rat's revelations about his violent family lead Todd into a gripping and poignant story of friendship, mystery, and survival.
Gritty
Mysterious
Adventurous
Dark
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
396 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviews of Rat Life by Tedd Arnold praise its engaging and suspenseful narrative, compelling character development, and unique blend of humor and mystery. Some critics note that the pacing can feel uneven, and a few plot twists may seem implausible. Nonetheless, readers generally find it an enjoyable and thought-provoking young adult read.
Who Should Read Rat Life?
A reader who would enjoy Rat Life by Tedd Arnold is typically young, enjoys mystery and coming-of-age stories, and is a fan of quirky humor. This book would appeal to those who like Holes by Louis Sachar or The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin, as it combines suspense, unique characters, and a journey toward self-discovery.
396 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
208
Novel • Fiction
Upstate New York • 1970s
2007
YA
11-14 years
HL550L
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