Content levels
Trigger warnings
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
LIKE ALL THE RATS in his tribe, Vasco loves nothing more than to scurry around the harbor in search of discarded fish. But one day he discovers that the members of his tribe have died under mysterious circumstances. Now Vasco is alone . . . until he reluctantly joins some fearsome rats who live deep in the sewers. Among them, he makes some loyal friends and some daunting enemies. And, as he begins to understand that humans are masterminding the extinction of all the rats in the city, Vasco sees only one solution: to flee aboard a ship. Courageous, humble, and determined, Vasco does his best to guide his exiled companions to a faraway land where they can live peacefully. But in struggling to establish a new tribe, and to find a place they can call home, Vasco must endure countless dangers and rise to many challenges.From the Hardcover edition.
Is Vasco, Leader of the Tribe appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 10 and up.
This animal fantasy features rats as protagonists facing extinction orchestrated by humans. Contains moderate peril including death of tribe members, dangerous journey themes, and survival challenges appropriate for middle grade readers.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include genocide, animal death, and death (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Kids will root for brave Vasco as he leads his rat companions on a dangerous sea voyage to find a new home.