Turnabout by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Reviewed by Varun, Gr. 8
This book was alright. It had a bit of action and at times it got pretty boring, but it wasn't too bad. The only really bad thing was that it got pretty confusing trying to follow what the time period was because of the way it is written. Sometimes the person is like 80 years old and the next second she is a teenager. At the end it got easier but the middle was a nightmare. I would recommend this book, but it isn't that high on my list.
Reviewed by Erika, Gr. 8
This was good sci-fi book. It was very confusing until you got to part 3. It was confusing because it bounced back and forth through the times of the two main characters from past to present.
Reviewed by Reah, Gr. 6
Have you ever wished to be younger? Anny Beth Flick and Amelia Hazelwood did. Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it. What they didn't know when they took pt-1 was that there was no way to stop aging. Read this book and find out about suicides, aging, and true friendships. I really liked this book and I hope that you do too.
Reviewed by Jocelyn, Gr. 8
Turnabout is the story of two women who, in order to live longer lives than normal, participate in an experiment called Project Turnabout. Anny Beth and Amelia (Melly) Hazelwood become unlikely friends while living at the agency where Project Turnabout takes place. When it becomes obvious that the agency isn't doing much to reverse the side effects of the "un-aging shot," PT-1, Anny Beth and Amelia leave. But now it is 2085, Anny Beth is 18 and Melly (formerly Amelia) is 16. They are beginning to wonder what exactly will happen when they un-age to babies and then hit zero years old. Now they are on the run from an unknown reporter and on the lookout for someone who can take care of them as they get younger. Turnabout is a thrilling book full of friendship and adventure.
Reviewed by Robert, Gr. 9
Turnabout was probably one of the best Haddix books that I have read so far. It tells the story of Melly and Anny Beth racing against the clock to find someone to take care of them as they grow younger. As they grow younger they discover shocking secrets about themselves and their families. Even though a not-so-sinister agency is working in the background, they still are able to find a distant relative to take care of them. A great read for anyone looking for a book filled with adventure with a slightly futuristic twist.
Reviewed by Maria, Gr. 6
Turnabout is about two women (who are 101 & 102) that decide to take an injection, along with 48 other people, called PT1. Once you take PT1, you start unaging (getting younger).The book changes time periods mainly from the year 2000 & 2085. Things really get exciting when the women, now 16 & 18 the second time around, receive an e-mail from a reporter. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes adventure.
Reviewed by Sarah, Gr. 8
Turnabout is a book about two elderly women who are lead to a place called The Agency to take an injection called PT1. When injected, PT1 causes people to unage, or age backwards. Melly and Anny Beth decide they no longer want to be a part of the Agency, and even though they cannot stop unaging, they choose to run away. Anny Beth only have each other, and are getting younger by the year...
Though I am not a personal fan of Haddix, this book is great for anyone who is curious and wonders about the future.
Additional thoughts by Miss Catherine:
I really enjoyed reading Turnabout. Believe it or not, this is my first Haddix book! I loved the storyline, although it took some concentration in the beginning to realize the pattern of how the author skipped around in time. After a bit, I was able to follow along without too much confusion. The thing I loved the most about this book were the small details the author threw in to give us a sense of the future… how gravy had been outlawed due to the “great cholesterol scare,” and how the fashions of the 70’s came back five times in Melly and Anny Beth’s lifetime. I love the social commentary that can only come from the wisdom of living a very long life or the imagination of a good author!
Additional thoughts by Ms. Meghan
I have always been a fan of Margaret Peterson Haddix’s bizarre story lines. I have previously read Turanabout and enjoyed reading it again for the second time. The story line could be confusing at times but once you get into the groove of the story it’s not as confusing. Many of her stories have twists and turns making her books quite intriguing. I would recommend this book as well as some of her others.
