Morton Rhue

Morton Rhue is the pen name of American author Todd Strasser, known primarily for young adult fiction that tackles complex social issues. His most recognized work is "The Wave" (1981), based on a true story about a high school social experiment demonstrating how fascism can take root in a democratic society. Rhue's novels frequently explore themes of conformity, peer pressure, and social dynamics among teenagers. Beyond "The Wave," his notable works include "Give a Boy a Gun" and "Boot Camp," which address topics like school violence and troubled teen rehabilitation programs. Writing under both names, Rhue/Strasser has authored over 140 books for young readers and won numerous literary awards. His work has been translated into multiple languages and is particularly popular in Germany, where "The Wave" is frequently used in school curricula. The impact of Rhue's writing stems from his ability to transform difficult real-world situations into accessible narratives for young readers. His books are characterized by their unflinching approach to controversial subjects and their focus on teenage protagonists facing moral dilemmas.

Readers praise Rhue (Todd Strasser) for writing about difficult social issues in an accessible way for young adults. His novel "The Wave" receives the most attention, with readers noting its impact on understanding how fascism can take root. Many readers mention using it as a teaching tool in schools. Readers like: - Clear, straightforward writing style - Fast-paced narratives - Realistic portrayals of teen perspectives - Ability to tackle complex themes without preaching Common criticisms: - Characters can feel one-dimensional - Some plot developments seem rushed or oversimplified - Writing occasionally described as "bland" or "basic" Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - The Wave: 3.9/5 (55,000+ ratings) - Give a Boy a Gun: 3.8/5 (3,000+ ratings) - Boot Camp: 3.7/5 (2,000+ ratings) Amazon: - The Wave: 4.5/5 - Give a Boy a Gun: 4.3/5 Most reader reviews focus on The Wave, with other titles receiving significantly less attention.

The Wave Based on a true incident, this novel follows a high school history teacher who conducts a social experiment about fascism that spirals out of control.

Boot Camp A teenage boy is sent to a behavior modification facility where he encounters harsh discipline and psychological manipulation.

Give a Boy a Gun Two students plan a deadly attack on their high school, told through multiple perspectives and interwoven with facts about school violence.

Crisis in the Red Zone A group of teenagers face ethical dilemmas and power dynamics when their school implements an experimental behavioral control system.

If You're Reading This I'm Already Dead A story about teen suicide told through multiple narratives, examining the impact on family, friends, and community.

The Terrorist After her brother dies in a terrorist attack, a teenage girl seeks revenge but discovers complex truths about prejudice and justice.

Don't Look Behind You A teenage girl and her family must assume new identities and go into hiding after her father testifies against a criminal organization.