Human Apes

by Dale Carlson

ALA NOTABLE BOOK JUNIOR LITERARY GUILD SELECTION Todd and his friends, Diana and Johnny, are part of an expedition to study the mountain gorillas in Africa. Todd is drawn to a group of gorillas, one of whom speaks to him. He has discovered the human apes, humans who have spent 6,000 years camouflaging themselves behind gorilla-like characteristics. In their underground laboratories, their goal is to free themselves from the harmful characteristics of humans, eventually freeing the mind from the confines of the body into the complete freedom of the universe. They invite Todd to remain with them. Diana and Johnny remind Todd this means giving up being human. Author of over 50 books, Carlson has received three ALA Notable Book Awards, the Christopher Award, YALSA nominated Quick Picks for Teens, VOYA Honor Book....

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

Dale Elissa Bick Carlson
Also published as Dale Bick Carlson

Reviews

[Christa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is so 70's. The whole Planet of the Apes thing was going on, you know? Clearly someone set out to write the most sci-fi book EVER. These aren't just TALKING apes, they're talking apemen who are thousands of years old who have mastered a form of supercomputers, are the lords of time, and travel through space. And I suspect they make awesome pies. Don't worry, there's still more!

There's talking. Lots of talking. And describing. If you loved the scenes of politics in the Star Wars prequels, then do I have a book for you! Or you can just MST3K this in your head like I did.

[R. Stephen Gracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can only say that as a primary school kid, this is the first book that I read over and over again. It made a huge impact on me, although I haven't read it since 1976. ;-)

[Cooper Renner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Similar in theme to the previous year's The Mountain of Truth, this novel addresses issues of the survival of mankind in a tumultuous time--the early '70s. Lots of great ideas pondered, strong characters--but a less compelling plot, less drama, less sense of doubt at the outcome.