"The Plague" introduces three memorable characters (children)--Eli, Jake, and Ben. Eli is possibly on the spectrum; his interests are somewhat unusual. He enjoys cutting himself, saving the blood, and using the blood stash to simulate major freakish accidents (sometimes with an audience). He is unpopular at dances, so he chooses to dance with a cardboard cutout of Betty Boop. He seems happiest when he is speaking in the voice of Gollum from "Lord of the Rings." (This is 2003.) Jake is a bully; he is possibly a psychopath. No one at home is behind the steering wheel; Mom is dead, and Dad "manages" Jake by extending his summer-camp stay long beyond the length of time that is considered normal. Jake spies on other boys, then uses his new information for leverage. When Eli has a "public" erection, Jake encourages name-calling and taunting. Ben is torn between Jake and Eli; he wants to spend time with Eli, but he is understandably exasperated by som...