The Last Summer of
the Death Warriors
by Francisco X. Stork

    THE LAST SUMMER OF THE DEATH WARRIORS by Francisco X. Stork
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 9+
    Release Date:  3/1/10
    Publisher:  Arthur A. Levine
    Reviewed by:  Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"
    Rating:  5 Stars


    After reading MARCELO IN THE REAL WORLD for the Cybils, I was really interested when given the chance
    to review THE LAST SUMMER OF THE DEATH WARRIORS.  As much as I liked MARCELO, I absolutely
    loved DEATH WARRIORS.
     
    It's the story of an unlikely friendship.  When Pancho's father dies, he is left to take care of himself and his
    sister.  Rosa works at a nearby restaurant, but her simple mind requires that someone look out for her.  Pancho
    does his best, but she meets a man at the diner and one night she is found murdered.  Now, Pancho is out for
    revenge.
     
    When the social service people discover that Pancho is alone, they hustle him off to an orphanage where he meets
    D.Q.  D.Q. is in a wheelchair due to weakness caused by a rare form of cancer.  For some reason, D.Q. attaches
    himself to Pancho.  He arranges for Pancho to be his aide.  Pancho finds himself going everywhere with D.Q.,
    seeing to his needs, and listening as the kid babbles on about something he is writing called the Death Warriors
    Manifesto.
     
    Revenge for his sister's death fills Pancho's thoughts, but the constant presence of D.Q. put any plans he has on
    hold.  Almost before he knows what's happening, Pancho is accompanying the cancer patient to the hospital for a
    special round of experimental chemotherapy.  He has agreed to stay with D.Q. through the treatment and recovery,
    and their friendship grows.
     
    Author Francisco X. Stork takes readers into the lives of two young people struggling with problems bigger than
    most adults deal with.  Stork's crisp, clear writing transported me directly into their lives.  Seeing their bravery in
    the face of difficult circumstances made their story a riveting and inspiring reading experience. 

    THE LAST SUMMER OF THE DEATH WARRIORS is not afraid to deal with some major life issues such as
    abandonment, the different meanings of love, quality of life decisions, and facing death.