A very unusual novel, both frighteningly realistic and highly imaginative, The Young Unicorns … maintains Madeleine L'Engle's reputation as one of the finest of the present day authors writing for young people. (p. 296)

Because the manner of the telling and the sense of confusion and mystery created by the unknowns are integral to the enjoyment of the book, recounting the plot here would be a real disservice; but it is important to say that the book deals with profound questions of philosophy and psychology. A special novel, which can be read by some junior high school boys and girls but which, because of the intricacies of plot and philosophy, might be recommended more successfully to older readers.

Barbara M. Castellano … sees the book as the story of the development of one of the main characters, Dave, as he learns to love and trust people, as he breaks down the...