(4) YA Despite an initial athletic rivalry, Gil Marsh and new kid Enko Labette soon become inseparable friends. When Enko dies from leukemia, devastated Gil runs away to Quebec to visit the grave and to seek a supposedly immortal man about the possibility of resurrection. The contemporary take on the legend of Gilgamesh is interesting, but the writing is heavy-handed at times.

Reviewer: Randy Ribay

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by David Parkins & David Parkins. In this version of the epic, the mythic strongman, whose unrestrained vigor in building his city makes him more tyrant than hero, battles with Enkidu, a "wild man" who signifies the natural, uncivilized world. The two become friends and join in heroic adventures. There are fascinating echoes of stories from many traditions in this venerable root story. Parkins's illustrations capture the epic's primitive power and universal emotions.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2003