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The Insiders by C.S.Poulsen Stone Tablet
book review by Mihir Shah
"My clan loved me because I created something original for a bunch of damaged misfits whose broken souls needed mending."
A group of twelve-year olds have had enough of being bullied by older gangs. They concoct a masterful plan for revenge that will not only embarrass the other gang, but leave them smelling of dog feces for a long time to come.
The Insiders is a creative and entertaining children's story imbued with themes pertaining to critical issues faced by children, of which neglect is the most prevalent. The book revolves around a clan of twelve-year olds whose early years have been riddled with abuse, drug-overdosing parents, bouncing from home to home, etc. The character's that make up the clan are Ear, Motor, Bat, Picker, Lookout, and Baby, all of whom are led by Chief Trouble. Each characters real name is washed away and anointed a new name based on his strongest qualities. For instance, Bat comes to the rescue of the oppressed and Motor has the ability to fix anything that runs on a motor. Conjure the image of a group of twelve-year olds surviving the streets and the accompanying dangers. Chief Trouble states of his new, tight-knit family, "We arrived unloved, unwanted and defective. Bound by the same pain, we untied each other's hearts until we bonded to each other instead."
One day, the crew sneaks their way into Point Park, a mini-amusement park. What happens next will change their lives, introduce them to The Face, and turn them into The Insiders that are bestowed with special talents that accentuate their natural abilities to create an atmosphere of justice, love, and respect on Earth. There's just one problem: There is a powerful group that wishes to get a stronghold over the Insiders, and study them to figure out how they acquire their special powers. Will the Chief and his collection of Insiders be able to escape from this powerful force and abide by the wishes of The Face?
The Insiders highlights the importance of respecting the Earth instead of focusing on ones selfish interests, and eradicating the ingrained negativity that is visible in so many of Earth's children. From avoiding guns, knives, and violence in general to keeping a safe distance from drugs, Poulsen effectively emphasizes the importance of providing a nurturing and safe environment for kids. Kids have the power to achieve anything if they have someone like The Face to guide them.