Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

Reviewed by Lori

Little Brother

Title: Little Brother

Author: Cory Doctorow

Perma-Bound Cat #: 26651

Description: After being interrogated for days by the Department of Homeland Security in the aftermath of a major terrorist attack on San Francisco, California, seventeen-year-old Marcus, released into what is now a police state, decides to use his expertise in computer hacking to set things right.

***Canadian***

 Rubric Rating: Level 3: Laud it

 Why I Read It: This book was recommended by an associate.
The cover didn't really appeal to me, so I may not have picked it up on my own.

 Lori's Notes:  Set in the near future, Marcus and his friends; Darryl, "Van," and "Jolu," skip school to participate in the geo-game "Harajuku Fun Madness."  Unfortunately, the teens find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time - the vicinity of a terrorist attack.  To make matters worse, while trying to get into a fall-out shelter, Darryl is stabbed by someone in the crowd.  If that isn't bad enough the teens are then arrested by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and held as potential terrorists.  After five days of intense interrogation Marcus is released along with Van and Jolu.  Darryl, however, is still being held prisoner.  Upon returning home, Marcus discovers that the DHS has installed a bug on his laptop.   Hoping to rescue his friend Darryl and fight back against the injustice of the DHS, Marcus uses what he knows best - technology.  Using an Xbox and an open source Linux operating system, Marcus creates Xnet, an online network that is undetectable by the DHS.  At school, he provides Xnet access to other students.  Those students in turn begin spreading it to others, and it soon snowballs into an underground resistance.  Marcus, as the reluctant leader, uses Xnet to fight the DHS in their own game.  "Xnetters" begin a campaign of sabotage which helps bring the actions of the DHS to the public eye.  If Big Brother is watching, than Little Brother is fighting back.

Recommended Readers: Grade 9 and Up.  An excellent story for any tech-savy kids in your classroom!

Themes: Big Brother, Technology, Friendship, Sabotage, Hacking, Justice, Safe vs. Free, Teenagers, Power and Authority, Freedom, Rights and Responsibilities, Government, Online vs Real life, Security (internet and otherwise)

Cross-Genre Links: 
Movie: Hackers (1995)
Article: The Hacker Manifesto by "The Mentor" January 8, 1986
Media Search: Anonymous (Hacktivists)
Music: Connected performed by The Stereo MCs
Music: Connection performed by Elastica
Book: 1984 by George Orwell

Possible Discussion or Essay Topics:

  • Why were Marcus and his friends arrested?  Do you think it was fair?
  • Why do you think the author titled the book Little Brother?  Do you think it's a good title?  If you could create a new title what would it be?
  • In what ways does Marcus use technology?
  • The government is usually responsible for keeping its citizens safe - do you think the DHS has gone beyond it's mandate?
  • What did you think about school security in Little Brother?  Would you like to go to school in that environment?  How did Marcus and his friends circumvent school security?   How do they apply this knowledge?
  • There is a definite contrast between safety and freedom in this novel.  Which do you think is more important?  Discuss both sides.

Other Support Materials:

Next Book in This Series:

Other Titles by Cory Doctorow:

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