Heck: Where the Bad Kids Go

Basye, Dale E. (2008). New York: Random House Children's Books. 978-375-84075-3

PLOT SUMMARY

Thirteen year old Marlo and her younger brother Milton are blown to bits in an explosion of marshmallows set off by a neighborhood bully. They end up in Heck where kids stay until they are 18 and it is decided whether they can graduate to the real underworld in Hell or if they might be able to move to heaven. Milton is only there because of his last worst act which Marlo made him do inadvertently, so it is possible that he might make it out, but not without the help of his sister and his friend.

CRITICAL EVALUATION

The story is clever the way it makes Heck into a junior Hell. Kids still go to school, but they take classes that are more appropriate to the environment i.e. an Ethics class taught by Richard Nixon, and a homemaking class taught by Lizzie Borden. The changes are very amusing and take a lighthearted approach to the idea of death and the afterlife.

Pacing is quick with lots of dialog to carry the action. There are still the universals involved such as bullies and being accepted, with the twist being that they are dead.

READER'S ANNOTATION

In Junior Hell--Heck is the place where kids go if they haven't led the most exemplary life, especially if you're being judged by your last worst act. Marlo was a troublemaker, but her brother Milton was only sent to Heck because of his help in Marlo's last caper in the living world. He might not be there long if only he could get his contract back from the underworld She-Ruler and look for the loophole that could set him free.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dale E. Basye lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife and son. Heck: Where the Bad Kids Go was his first book and he has since followed it with a second, Rapacia: The Second Circle of Heck. He has won several national journalism awards.

GENRE

Fantasy

CURRICULUM TIES

none

BOOKTALKING IDEAS

Emphasize the dark humor of life in the afterworld. What classes would they take in Heck? What foods would they eat? What friends would they make?

READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE

12-18

CHALLENGE ISSUES

Might offend those with strong religious beliefs because of the humorous depiction of an afterlife.

CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS

Understand library collection policies. Emphasize that the library provides access to information and materials and that it is parents' responsibility to monitor their children's activities.

WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?

I liked the dark humor. It's not similar to the Twilight series, but it might still appeal to those who enjoy books with dark themes.