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The White Mountains Trilogy

a book list by Peter, the avid reader who runs Flashlight Worthy

shelved under Children's Books and Tween

This is a fantastic and fondly-remembered series that's typically read by boys nearing the end of elementary school. Despite the age of the books (they were published in the 1960s), these books hold up extremely well, most likely because of their science fiction theme.

For those who read these as a child, note the recently-released prequel, "When the Tripods Came," at the end of the list.

The White Mountains

The White Mountains

by John Christopher

Lee Nelson from San Fernando Valley, CA says:

A complex science fiction story that tells of a future where humans no longer rule or question those who do rule.

The story tells of a small village where boys wait their youth out before submitting to "capping": the implanting of a device within their brain that makes them complacent. Will, the narrator, questions the practice and decides to rebel by running from the Masters who perform the procedure.

As Will makes his way away from his village and to the legendary "White Mountains" where a resistance to the Masters may - or may not - exist, he re-discovers a world humanity has long forgotten. Along this journey, he must run from the Masters in their Tripods, avoid dangers, and grow up.

A thrilling read and a great introduction to science fiction for young readers.

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The City of Gold and Lead

The City of Gold and Lead

by John Christopher

I thought this volume, the 2nd, took an interesting turn. In the first book the "Tripods" were completely inscrutable — big, unyielding machines.

In this book not only do you learn a whole lot more about what those Tripods are all about and where they came from, but it's done in a way that makes this second book of a series feel as fresh as a first book.

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The Pool of Fire

The Pool of Fire

by John Christopher

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When the Tripods Came

When the Tripods Came

by John Christopher

Aurora from Lake Forest, CA says:

A great way to hook a kid on sci-fi/horror is through the narrative of another kid. Following these kids and the horrors they face (as they try to figure out what is going on) was a page turner for me then, and would easily be so again now. Not to mention the fact that it's given me plenty of ideas for my own stories...!

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