Switchers

( 9 )

Overview

Kevin knows that Tess is a Switcher, for he is one too able to take on any animal shape he chooses and to think, feel and live as that creature. Kevin persuades Tess to join him as a rat, and the two make their way beneath the snowbound city through the underground network to see Lizzie, a strange old woman who tells the children that they alone can save the world from icy destruction.

Can they trust her? And can they overcome the terrible ...

See more details below
Available through our Marketplace sellers.
See All Options
Other sellers (Audiobook)
  • All (8) from $3.31   
  • New (3) from $7.35   
  • Used (5) from $3.31   
Close
Sort by
Page 1 of 1
Showing All
Note: Marketplace items are not eligible for any BN.com coupons and promotions
$7.35
Mistymorninbooks WI
Seller since 2005

Feedback rating:

(60)

Condition:

New — never opened or used in original packaging.

Like New — packaging may have been opened. A "Like New" item is suitable to give as a gift.

Very Good — may have minor signs of wear on packaging but item works perfectly and has no damage.

Good — item is in good condition but packaging may have signs of shelf wear/aging or torn packaging. All specific defects should be noted in the Comments section associated with each item.

Acceptable — item is in working order but may show signs of wear such as scratches or torn packaging. All specific defects should be noted in the Comments section associated with each item.

Used — An item that has been opened and may show signs of wear. All specific defects should be noted in the Comments section associated with each item.

Refurbished — A used item that has been renewed or updated and verified to be in proper working condition. Not necessarily completed by the original manufacturer.

New
2000 Audio Book New in New dust jacket 0807261548. Audio Tape; 9 oz.; New Factory Sealed Unabridged Audio Book w/remainder mark 4 cassettes 5 hrs read by Niamh Cusack. Tess is a ... switcher?she can take on the form of any animal she chooses. But she must be alone, as is true of all Switchers. Soon she realizes that Kevin is also a Switcher who has been summoned to save the Northern Hemisphere from being destroyed. And Kevin needs Tess's help to do it. Read more Show Less

Ships from: Shell Lake, WI

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$36.45
Books Revisited
Seller since 2013

Feedback rating:

(113)

Condition: New
Brand New Item.

Ships from: Chatham, NJ

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
$50.00
bluehouse
Seller since 2013

Feedback rating:

(46)

Condition: New
Brand new.

Ships from: acton, MA

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Standard, 48 States
Page 1 of 1
Showing All
Close
Sort by
Note: Kids' Club Eligible. See More Details.
Sending request ...

More About This Book

Overview

Kevin knows that Tess is a Switcher, for he is one too able to take on any animal shape he chooses and to think, feel and live as that creature. Kevin persuades Tess to join him as a rat, and the two make their way beneath the snowbound city through the underground network to see Lizzie, a strange old woman who tells the children that they alone can save the world from icy destruction.

Can they trust her? And can they overcome the terrible enemy which waits at the heart of the blizzards in the north?

Niamh Cusack has appeared on stage in A Doll's House, Indian Ink, The Three Sisters and The Maids. On television she has been seen in Till We Meet Again, Fools of Fortune, Jeeves and Wooster, Heartbeat and The Last Detective.

Tess, who has the ability to change into animal form, must choose between good and evil as she tries to decide whether to "Switch" into a phoenix or a vampire for the rest of time.

Read More Show Less

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
Tess has a secret that keeps her apart from others: she can change into an animal at will. Disturbed when scruffy Kevin keeps following her after school, Tess wonders what he wants from her, and why an arctic front is sweeping over the globe, causing a blizzard in Dublin in September. Then she learns that Kevin shares her gift, and they set out across Ireland, disguised as rats, and guided by fellow rats to "little old lady" Lizzie. The eccentric woman sends them on a quest north to stop the krools, ravenous monsters responsible for the Earth's ice ages. The pair races against time Kevin is about to turn 15, when all Switchers have to choose their final form and U.N. warplanes seeking alien invaders, to halt the global icing. In occasionally poetic language which may need some explaining to younger readers, Thompson interweaves elements from mythology and science fiction with insights into animal nature to create a coming-of-age fantasy that, like Peter Pan, ends with an open window and, for many readers, a lump in the throat. Ages 8-up. May
Children's Literature - Dr. Judy Rowen
Tess has moved so often she has learned to insulate herself from forming friendships because she knows they will not last. She has a unique way to entertain herself, however, because she is a switcher. Switchers can take the form of any type of animal, so Tess plays with the squirrels in the park. Her private world is invaded by a strange boy named Kevin, but Tess' unease begins to dissipate when she discovers that he is also a switcher. But Kevin brings strange news: the two of them have been summoned to visit an old woman living on the outskirts of Dublin. She has a mission for them, a mission that can only be completed by switchers who tap into the full power of their capabilities. The book is most interesting as the author takes us into the world of squirrels, owls and rats as seen from the kids' perspective. The mission the switchers undertake seems absurd at first, but the suspense builds to a satisfying climax with a twist. There is one unfortunate, unnecessary reference to sex, but it is couched in Irish/rat slang so it will be unrecognizable to many readers. Excepting this one line, the text is appropriate for younger readers with advanced reading skills as well as older fantasy fans. 1998 (orig.
Children's Literature - Christopher Moning
Tess is a Switcher. She can take the shape and form of any living creature. In Kate Thompson's earlier novel Switchers, Tess learned that there are others like her. With her fellow Switcher, Kevin, Tess succeeded in defeating the Krools in Antarctica. In this, the sequel to that novel, Tess is faced with a crucial decision--on her fifteenth birthday (which is fast approaching) she must choose the form she will assume for the rest of her life. Kevin visits Tess in his chosen form, the beautiful golden bird called the phoenix. At the same time, Tess meets another Switcher named Martin, a troubled teen who is planning to choose the ultimate form of evil--a Vampire. Tess is equally lulled and seduced by the forces of good and evil, with the outcome in doubt right up to the exciting climax. Heeding the timely advice of an eccentric old lady, Lizzie, Tess is able to ward off excruciating pressures, ultimately choosing the road toward a balanced future.
School Library Journal
Gr 5-8A terrific read that's sure to keep youngsters turning pages. As a result of a strange weather phenomenon, severe snowstorms are moving south from the Arctic. Two young teens, with the help of a weird old woman, find out that the blizzards are being caused by a group of mysterious ice creatures and set out to stop them. Tess and Kevin have the ability to switch from human form into any animal they choose, real or imaginary. What better way to save the world than as a polar bear, a woolly mammoth, or, better yet, a fire-breathing dragon! Even those who cannot easily suspend disbelief will care about the characters from the very first pagetremble when they are in trouble, and feel exalted when they triumph in the end. In addition, the premise that children have powers beyond what they can see or are told is a mighty one. This tale will incite imaginations and provide a launching pad for discussion. In the end, Kevin is killed but rises as a phoenix. Tess is so moved that she gives up her family and human form to join him. Yes, it's corny, but it fits the mood and style of the rest of the story. Imaginative, thoughtful fun.Molly S. Kinney, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA
School Library Journal
Gr 5-9-Switchers by Kate Thompson Hyperion, 1998 is the story of two teenagers, Tess and Kevin, who can "switch" into animals. It offers insights into the animal kingdom including humans as the two teens experiment with their powers and finally learn to use them for a heroic purpose. The reader, Irish born actress Niamh Cusack, does a wonderful job of portraying the teens and other characters, but really outdoes herself with the "rat" language. Cusack creates excellent voices for all the characters, and listeners can always tell who is speaking. There is some swearing in the adult dialogue. The dialects are performed incredibly well, including the voice of the President of the United States. The government sub-plot of the story is somewhat awkward, but Cusack manages to imbue these sequences with subtle satire especially the British view of Americans. This fantasy will be enjoyed by middle school students, reluctant readers, fantasy aficionados and Harry Potter fans. There are two more books in the series, and listeners will want to read them to find out more about Tess and her adventures.-Pat Griffith, Schlow Memorial Library, State College, PA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
Thompson has written a fantasy with the pacing of a suspense novelþan adventure written in poetic prose. In Dublin, Tess is being followed by the furtive, rat-like Kevin, 14, who astonishes her by saying, "I know what you do." Tess has a secret: She can change herself into any animal, a power that she first realized when she was seven or eight; in fear of others' discovery of her gift, she remains purposely friendless. Kevin, too, is a switcher, and their shared abilities render them unlikely companions, as he pushes her to join him in a great undertaking which is nothing less than saving the United Kingdom from a cataclysmic weather pattern that is crushing the northern climes with killing blizzards. A wise elder imparts cryptic guidance to the two as they embark on their deadly mission; other authority figures in the book are completely at sea as they struggle to cope with the strange blizzards that spell doom and the strange creatures on their radar screens: Kevin and Tess in altered states. Thus, in a satisfying manner, the two are constantly succeeding, but only by the seat of their pants, finding new reserves of ingenuity to accomplish their goal. The suspense never wavers, while integral to the story are the author's deft observations on independence and human relationships, on death and loss, and more, in an atmospheric and authentic fantasy world. (Fiction. 12-15)
Read More Show Less

Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780807261545
  • Publisher: Random House Audio Publishing Group
  • Publication date: 11/28/2000
  • Format: Cassette
  • Edition description: Unabridged, 4 Cassettes, 5 hrs. 01 min.
  • Age range: 9 - 13 Years
  • Product dimensions: 4.46 (w) x 7.10 (h) x 1.22 (d)

Meet the Author

Kate Thompson was born in Yorkshire, England.  She has traveled extensively and experienced a wealth of diverse cultures, from studying the life and philosophy of Ghandi in India to working with racehorses in the United States.  She has two daughters and now writes novels for children and adults full-time.
Read More Show Less

Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4
( 9 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(5)

4 Star

(3)

3 Star

(0)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(1)

Your Rating:

Review Guidelines
Add Recommendations
Your Name: Create a Pen Name or

Barnes & Noble.com Review Rules

Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked, or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help ensure that your review can be posted.

Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13

We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer. However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.

What to exclude from your review:

Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the information on the product page, please send us an email.

Reviews should not contain any of the following:

  • - HTML tags, profanity, obscenities, vulgarities, or comments that defame anyone
  • - Time-sensitive information such as tour dates, signings, lectures, etc.
  • - Single-word reviews. Other people will read your review to discover why you liked or didn't like the title. Be descriptive.
  • - Comments focusing on the author or that may ruin the ending for others
  • - Phone numbers, addresses, URLs
  • - Pricing and availability information or alternative ordering information
  • - Advertisements or commercial solicitation

Reminder:

  • - By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.
  • - Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.
  • - See Terms of Use for other conditions and disclaimers.
Search for Products You'd Like to Recommend

Recommend other products that relate to your review. Just search for them below and share!

Create a Pen Name

Your Pen Name is your unique identity on BN.com. It will appear on the reviews you write and other website activities. Your Pen Name cannot be edited, changed or deleted once submitted.

 
Your Pen Name can be any combination of alphanumeric characters (plus - and _), and must be at least two characters long.

Continue Anonymously
    If you find inappropriate content, please report it to Barnes & Noble
    Why is this product inappropriate?
    Comments (optional)