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A review by samj
The Message by K.A. Applegate
5.0
This one genuinely impressed me! In this book, Cassie's the first person to really start wrestling with the moral implications of their powers, and as a result The Message is elevated to be more than just a fun adventure story.
I didn't really follow theme when I first read these stories in elementary school, but The Message is all about Cassie's struggle over the moral qualms of morphing— whether it’s ok to take over the bodies of intelligent animals like dolphins. We don't really know much about how morphing works, so there's a brief moment of uncertainty when Cassie first becomes a dolphin-- what if there is a sentient being sharing the body with her?
Ultimately the story becomes a really powerful message about the necessity of fighting in the name of justice and environmentalism. It’s the first time the Animorphs learn what takeover by the Yeerks mean— destruction of all ‘unnecessary’ life on earth, not just humans. The invaders would kill all the animals that aren’t effective hosts or food for hosts, and turn the planet into a utilitarian wasteland. This underscores morphing as a manifestation of the spirits of all animals on earth fighting for survival, and resolves cassie’s moral quandary over whether she can morph a dolphin. The lives of dolphins are also at stake in the battle against the aliens.
I'm continually impressed by Applegate's ability to insert complex issues into a children's story without diluting the substance. Plus, they're really fun! Excited for the next one!
I didn't really follow theme when I first read these stories in elementary school, but The Message is all about Cassie's struggle over the moral qualms of morphing— whether it’s ok to take over the bodies of intelligent animals like dolphins. We don't really know much about how morphing works, so there's a brief moment of uncertainty when Cassie first becomes a dolphin-- what if there is a sentient being sharing the body with her?
Ultimately the story becomes a really powerful message about the necessity of fighting in the name of justice and environmentalism. It’s the first time the Animorphs learn what takeover by the Yeerks mean— destruction of all ‘unnecessary’ life on earth, not just humans. The invaders would kill all the animals that aren’t effective hosts or food for hosts, and turn the planet into a utilitarian wasteland. This underscores morphing as a manifestation of the spirits of all animals on earth fighting for survival, and resolves cassie’s moral quandary over whether she can morph a dolphin. The lives of dolphins are also at stake in the battle against the aliens.
I'm continually impressed by Applegate's ability to insert complex issues into a children's story without diluting the substance. Plus, they're really fun! Excited for the next one!