About the Author

Terry Pratchett is one of the most popular authors writing today. He lives behind a keyboard in Wiltshire and says he 'doesn't want to get a life, because it feels as though he's trying to lead three already'. He was appointed OBE in 1998. He is the author of the phenomenally successful Discworld series and his trilogy for young readers, The Bromeliad, is scheduled to be adapted into a spectacular animated movie. His first Discworld novel for children, THE AMAZING MAURICE AND HIS EDUCATED RODENTS, was awarded the 2001 Carnegie Medal.

Reviews

British author Pratchett's first YA novel is a rollicking tale about a race of ``nomes''--little people who came from outer space and now live under the floorboards of a department store. Since the store is about to be demolished, the nomes must be convinced to move out, even though most of them don't believe in such a thing as Outside. After all, the store has ``Everything Under One Roof!'' In a story reminiscent of Mary Norton's The Borrowers , Pratchett has added distinctive touches of his own to the hilarious complications that ensue. One of the novel's greatest strengths is the depiction of the civilization the nomes have built for themselves, including an intricate religion based on advertising signs. hung in the store. Truckers is funny enough to warrant sequels (at least one more tale is promised), but a clearer resolution would have made this a more satisfying read. Ages 10-up. (Feb.)