The Salt Thief by Neal Bascomb - OPTIONAL

The Salt Thief by Neal Bascomb, 272 pages. NON-FICTION. Scholastic, 2024. $19

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13 (bloody deaths mentioned, lightly described)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

in 1930 India, Mohandas Gandhi decided that the British had ruled India long enough - it was time for self-determination.  In order to highlight the need, to draw international attention, and to force the hand of their British overlords, Gandhi decides to lead as large of a group that he can gather, tot eh seashore to gather salt - something that used to be freely available to all Indians, but now is strictly controlled by the British.  They expect resistance, perhaps even death for some of their number.

I was surprised that the book is only 272 pages long.  I listened to it and I felt like it dragged.  I felt like I walked every step with Gandhi myself. It did not, unfortunately, ignite a passion on the subject for me. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS