YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

Dear YA Buddy Readers’ Corner,

I’m thrilled to introduce a book that I believe will spark powerful discussions and resonate deeply with your group: The Great & the Small by A.T. Balsara. Recently listed among CBC Books’ “18 Canadian Young Adult Books to Check Out in Fall 2024”, this novel is both gripping and profoundly moving.

At its heart, the story follows Ananda, a teenager burdened by grief and a gift that isolates her from others, and Fin, a young rat struggling under the shadow of his uncle’s dictatorship in the tunnels beneath the city. Their unlikely meeting binds their fates together at a time when a devastating plague war threatens both humans and rats.

This is not just a tale of survival it’s a mirror held up to our own world. Through dual narratives, it explores themes of identity, loss, trauma, courage, and the search for belonging, all while weaving in echoes of real-world history about plague and dictatorship.

Why this book is perfect for your club:

Unique Perspective: Alternating between human and rat societies, it invites fresh conversations about power, prejudice, and empathy.

Depth & Darkness with Hope: A story about wrestling with inner and outer battles, it asks what it really means to choose light over darkness.

Rich Discussion Potential: Its layered narrative ensures every reader will take away something different—making it ideal for meaningful group dialogue.

Relevance: The book resonates strongly in today’s world, reflecting struggles with leadership, division, and resilience.

Readers who enjoy books like Watership Down, The Book Thief, or The Giver will find this an unforgettable reading journey.

I would love for YA Buddy Readers’ Corner to experience The Great & the Small together it’s the kind of story that lingers long after the last page and will leave your members with so much to talk about.

warmly,
Clara

The Great & the Small