I was a little disapointed with this book. It was obviously written long after the first book so some of the language had changed (the same language that had make the first one a little outdated) but there were also some subtle modernization. The first book was obviously set in time it was written so to have the book go from the 1960's to the 1990's was a little unsettling especially since I read them back to back. Most children may not pick up on these things but as an adult reader it was a little distracting.With that said, however, the plot was still just as good. The Gypsy Game kind of faltered for the children as a real life drama took over but the book never let down the reader. I especially liked Ms. Snyder's discussion about what Gypsy life was like and the hardships that particular group of people have faced. I like the realism and the hidden education in the book. This would be a great book to talk about prejudice and oppression. There are so many themes in this book that make it wonderful. This time you meet Toby's father who is a very eccentric artist. It's an interesting contrast to his best friend Ken who's parents are practical and well-to-do. The two ends of this spectrum are nicely balanced and really are more subtle. There is no beating the reader with a cause. Ms. Snyder talks about homelessness when Toby runs away and ends up living in an abandoned house with three homeless people. This is a really powerful book and a great sequel.
Actually the story is not as grim as the review title implies, but one is reminded of the song, "Gypsies, tramps and thieves."Anyway, soon afer the Egypt Game has concluded the multi-ethnic gang is back, but things are deteriorating in Toby's home and soon he goes missing. Say, was he just pulling the kids' legs about his Gypsy ancestry or is he really in danger of being kidnapped? I felt the author was pulling one over on us; besides the use of chapter flip-flop, she filled out a skimpy plot with literary fluff. Nevertheless, this is a very serious book in places, with themes of universal shunning and persecution. Focusing on the neglect of the underprivileged, she makes young readers aware of the plight of society's unwanted. The kids themselves face some ethical dilemmas and even wonder (how desperate can they be?) when to bring in adult aid! Snyder alternates between their pre-teen lifestyle and heavy themes with hints for social reform. I am not sure how much of the audience for whom this book was intended will enjoy this sequel. Is it meant to be entertainment or a political platform? Perhaps she just wants to point out the danger of an overactive imagination. Unfortunately this book does not live up to its Egyptian predecessor. (May 9, 2012. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
What do You think about The Gypsy Game (1998)?
This is the sequel to the incomparable "Egypt Game" by the same author, in which a diverse gang of kids recreates its own version of ancient Egypt in an empty lot. My daughter and I listened to it recently on audio and she was so taken with it that she begged me to get the sequel, which isn't available on audio for good reason. In this one, they switch to the subject of gypsies and it turns out that one of the kids is part gypsy. He runs away from home and stays in the lot with a giant dog. The kids are still all sharply drawn, original, imaginative but not little adults. There is still a lot of information about another culture mixed in with a real plot and characters who grow. At first I was wondering why I had thought it was so inferior to The Egypt Game when I had read it years ago but the plot kind of falls apart at the end with the introduction of long-lost Mayflower grandparents who prove to be understanding and benign. Still, it's better than the majority of books out there and no mistake.
—Ariel
I didn't like this one nearly as much as The Egypt Game. It felt like the issues were too adult for kids this age. I mean, I know there are homeless kids out there. But they all seemed to handle this surprisingly well. And then at the end to come up with this new solution to turn the Gypsy Game into something else - I don't buy it. It's awful preachy.
—Cindy
Suprisingly good for modern literature.It is a sequel The Egypt Game.I`d have to say The Egypt Game was a bit better.
—Anna
