Though more a love letter to Toor's deceased pet than a thesis on the merits of rat ownership, Misunderstood highlights the joys of having a domestic rat as a pet. With surprising tidbits ("New evidence links the spread of the plague to...gerbils"), scientific studies, literary quotes, and personal anecdotes, the congenial narrative is scattered but entertaining and informative. Reading list, websites. (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr 6 Up-Have you ever considered owning a pet rat? Would you believe that rats make great, low-maintenance pets? Toor aims to reverse negative attitudes toward rats by informing readers of their pleasant nature and many amazing abilities and providing some personal anecdotes about her own rat, Iris. Hesitant readers will immediately be drawn in by the first line of the introduction: "For three and a half years I was in love with someone the size of a hot dog bun." Toor mixes humor with genuine affection as she details how she came to appreciate rats while also debunking some common myths students may be familiar with. For instance, she clarifies that rats alone did not cause the Black Plague; rather, it was the fleas that lived on them (which carried the disease in the form of a bacterial microbe) that were largely responsible. In addition, she briefly covers the concepts of evolution, genetics, and domestication to show how environment and circumstance can influence how a creature develops and acts. The true highlight of this work is the relationship between Toor and Iris during a challenging period in Toor's life (her mother was diagnosed with cancer). Students will feel close to the loving and sweet-tempered Iris. However, tenderhearted readers should be warned that Toor's mother and Iris both die. The author includes material on ratteries (rat breeders), different rat varieties (based on color and coat), and questions to consider before opting for a pet rat. VERDICT A delightful addition to any library or classroom's creative nonfiction section.-Elizabeth Anne Ragain, Springfield Public Schools, MO © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Toor (On the Road to Find Out) artfully weaves extensive research and personal enthusiasm into a humorous treatise on the merits of rats, "perhaps the world's most unfairly reviled species," as pets. In a book that serves, in part, as a memoir of Toor's late pet, Iris, she tackles head-on the visceral objections of many ("Fleas spread plague, people! Not rats") and extols the charms of the domesticated rat. In chapters ranging from practical ("Get Thee to a Rattery" covers where to acquire a pet rat) to discursive, Toor addresses key concerns for any potential rat-owner, including their sociable nature, food and exercise requirements, health concerns, and short lifespan. Drawbacks-such as rats' need for attention, tendency to stash items in shoes, and ability to get lost even in small apartments-are often embedded in endearing anecdotes. While Toor is unapologetically gushy (one photo of her pet is captioned "Iris, the poochiesnoogins honeymunchkin"), the book is well targeted to animal-loving teens, and Toor's conversational tone, wealth of information, and ebullience could sway many skeptics. Ages 12-up. Agent: Elise Capron, Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency. (June) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

In this irresistible memoir-manual, Toor (On the Road to Find Out, 2014) interweaves scientific studies, autobiographical anecdotes, and surprisingly riveting research to dispel deep-seated and often unwarranted anxieties about Rattus norvegicus, or pet rats. Centered on her three-and-a-half-year love affair with someone the size of a hot dog bun, the ever-inquisitive Iris, Toor talks tails (they're used for thermoregulation), travel, domestication, veterinary care, and rat types (The American Fancy Rat & Mouse Association recognizes six varieties). Notably, Toor consistently couples scientific findings (a 2003 report, Laughing Rats and the Evolutionary Antecedents of Human Joy?, explores rat tickling) with her own effortlessly engaging narrative. In a particularly poignant chapter, Toor pairs research on rats' empathic capability with Iris' undeniable bond to Toor's terminally ill mother. With its photo-marked chapter breaks, handy further reading suggestions, and conversational tone, this is not only a useful resource for future rat owners and ardent animal-lovers but also young essay writers. Get ready to scour ratteries near you!--Shemroske, Briana Copyright 2016 Booklist