Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Strong anti-cruelty message in lively tale of genius mouse.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
ALWAYS, CLEMENTINE is the way a genetically engineered genius mouse signs the letters she's mentally composing to her friend, Rosie, a chimpanzee who's still in a cage in a research lab. That's the lab where Clementine was always happy to show off her skills for the humans -- until the night she and another mouse found themselves snatched from their cages, spirited away, and stuffed in a mailbox with a note pleading with their finder to protect them. Come morning, 11-year-old Gus discovers the mice and is determined to protect them -- especially since it's all over the TV news that the lab wants them back to kill them and dissect their brains. Gus' grandfather, a retired chess master, shares his determination, and Clementine's fascination with the chessboard suggests a plan that could save her. Or not, as one of the lab's minions is lurking around town in an ice cream truck waiting to snatch her back. But they have to try, and chess lovers old and young stand ready to give it their best.
Is It Any Good?
Carlie Sorosiak spins a perilous, emotional tale of a genetically enhanced mouse who longs for home and friendship, barely escapes death in a lab, finds protectors -- and proves very good at chess. As Always, Clementine unfolds, Clementine discovers there's a lot more to life than what she's seen, there's lots to learn, and some humans are kind. But for those who see her only as "Subject Seven," none of that matters.
Here, Clementine's chess-loving rescuers come to terms with her astonishing skill and how it might save her:
"Pop spun to gaze at me. ... 'Who could see you playing chess against a master and not care about your fate?'
"'She'd be like a person,' Gus added, inching forward -- until he was right by my tail. It was nice to have him close. 'I mean, you already are a person. But people could see that.'"
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the humans are determined to protect animals from suffering and death in Always, Clementine. What other stories like this do you know? Do you find any of them inspiring or helpful?
Do you like playing chess? Was there a match you especially enjoyed -- whether you won or not?
If you suddenly had superhuman intelligence, how would you use it?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Animals
- Topics : Activism , Animals , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Curiosity , Empathy , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Walker Books U.S.
- Publication date : September 6, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 304
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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