The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm

Nancy Farmer is a wonderful story teller! This is a very exciting, thought-provoking story for the young and young at heart.

I read most of this book in fourth grade, then lost it. Im twenty years old now, and every so often, since the time i first read it, I've actually thought "Boy that was a great book, I should re-read it ... and finish it this time." It took me till three weeks ago, and I finially purchased this hardcover edition. I dont regret it! It is one of my all time favorite books. Theres a sense and smell to each page, something real about everything the author says. It's a science fiction with a flare of something akin to fantasy. I cant quite explain. You'll simply have to read it! I loved this book and am sure to read it again and again ... :)

The best futuristic sci-fi tale for children set in Zimbabwe I've ever read. Which is unfair backhanded praise for a book that, in my opinion, should've been awarded the Newberry Award without question. Sometimes I like to pretend that I'm at a party and a savvy Hollywood producer comes up to me and asks for the number one children's book that should be optioned for a movie. Batta bing, I recommend this book. In it, you have a well-developed plot containing characters of amazing depth. No two-dimensional stick figures for this children's novel. The setting is more than unique. It is unparalleled. Farmer's ingenuity has created a book that speaks volumes. Not only is it an enjoyable edge-of-your-seat mystery, but there's a distinctly moral core to the book. It's the rare story that can make a person actually enjoy a section on (believe it or not) "courage". If your children can read, give them this book. If your children cannot read, give them this book anyway and teach them to do so with it. There is no higher praise I can give.

This is one of the most entertaining and original science fiction books I have ever read, not to mention one of the best children's books I have ever read. Taking place in a futuristic Zimbabwe in the year 2194, this tale of detectives, genetically engineered blue monkeys, and terrorists is a true edge-of-your-seat delight that will entertain both teenagers and adults. Tendai, Rita, and Kuda, the General Matsika's three children, are tired of their technologically controlled home and their overprotective parents. They want an adventure and sneak out of the house one morning for a day of exploring only to be kidnapped! Now it's up three very special detectives: The Ear, The Eye, and The Arm, to find them. But will they succeed?

This is a terrific book. It is set in the future in Africa. Tendai, Rita, and Kuda who are the sons and daughter of Amadeus Matsika, the country's Cheif of Security. Matsika has wiped out almost all of the gangs except one, the Masks. After being kidnapped by the She Elephant, Tendai, Rita, and Kuda have to find a way home or they might fall victim to a terrible fate. They finally escape with the help of Trashman, a man in his twenties with the mind of a small child. They are taken to a place called Resthaven. Resthaven is like a small country, but it is set in the past. They live in the ways of the ancestors. After the children are found missing, Matsika's wife hires three private eyes, literally. These three have special powers. One has super strong eyes, another super strong ears, and finally super long limbs. As this story unfolds, see how the tale of Tendai, Rita, and Kuda changes your perspective on life.