The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title:  The Selection

Author:  Kiera Cass

Publisher: Harper Teen Year: 2012

ISBN:  978-0-06-205993-2

Genre: Fiction/Dystopian

This book is for grades: 6 and up    

Subjects/Themes: Marriage, Princes, Social Classes,

Plot Summary:  America Singer is a 17-year-old member of the artist’s caste of Illea. America is in love with Aspen a servant in the caste below hers.  The two secretly meet in her tree house after curfew and share kisses and dreams for the future.  Until Aspen tells her he loves her too much to allow her to live a life of poverty.  When she is selected to be one of the 35 girls from across the country to compete to marry Prince Maxon of Illea and live in the palace, America takes the opportunity to stay away until her broken heart can mend.  But living in the palace means taking part in the crazy competition to marry Prince Maxon.  Life in the palace is not all glittering jewels and fancy dresses.  Rebels attack the palace and America discovers feelings for her people and the prince that she never imagined.   

Review:   America joined the selection to help her family and escape her broken heart.  Reading is interesting as she navigates the palace and develops a friendship with Prince Maxon.  While in the story she establishes relationships with other contestants and her maids their character’s voices are not really developed.  The reasons for the dystopian environment, the rebel attacks and the type of the government are gaps that also need to be filled.  The book could have been so much better.  America is the luckiest girl in the world.  Everything just seems to fall into place for her except her relationship with Aspen.  This book ends abruptly, however, despite its flaws, readers will enjoy the book and look forward to the sequel.

City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

Title:   City of Ember

Author:  Jeanne DuPrau

Reader:  Wendy Dillon

Media: Digital Download

Publisher:  Listening Library; Unabridged edition   Year:  2006

ISBN:  978-0739331675

Genre: Fiction/Science Fiction

This book is for Ages: 9 up

Awards:  ALA Notable Book, Kirkus Editor’s Choice

AR Points:     9.0

Subjects/Themes:  Dystopia, Government Control, Courage, Family, Leadership,

Plot Summary:  Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow have just finished the 6^th grade and have new jobs.  Lina is a messenger, Doon works in the pipe works.  They live in the city of Ember in year 241.  Ember is a city without a sun or moon.  All light comes from lamps powered by a generator.  When the generator begins to fail Doon is convinced the city is in grave danger.  When Lina uncovers a mysterious message they work together to find a way to save the city.  

Review:   This book is one of the reasons dystopian or future imperfect books are so popular.  This is the perfect book for reader’s looking for something different.  The unabridged audio book version is enhanced with sound effects that bring the story to life.  This is a diverting book for listening to on your next road trip.

If you like this book you may also like:  The People of Sparks by Jeanne DuPrau. 

The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins

Title:   The Hunger Games

Author:  Suzanne Collins

Publisher:  Scholastic            Year: 2009 c2008

ISBN:  978-0-439-02352-8

Genre: Fiction/Adventure/Science Fiction

This book is for Ages: 12 up

Awards: Publisher’s Weekly Best Books, Kirkis Editor’s Choice, SLJ Best Book, California Young Reader Medal

AR Points:     15.0

 Subjects/Themes: Survival, Poverty, Trust, Government Control Dystopia

Plot Summary:  16 year-old Katniss Everdeen has been providing for her family since her father died five years ago.  She breaks the laws of the government of Panem everyday by hunting with her bow for fresh meat, and gathering fruits and vegetable in the woods.  When Katniss’ 12-year old sister Prim is chosen for the Hunger Games, a government-sponsored reality television competition where 12 boys and girls compete to the death, Katniss takes her place.   She and Peeta, the kind baker’s son, must travel to the Capitol and compete for their lives against others who are stronger and more cunning.  Can Katniss win the hunger games?  What about the others?  She likes, Peeta and even Rue the young competitor who reminds her so much of Prim.  Can she bring herself to fight them for her life?

Review:   Compelling novel with an action driven storyline.  The novel examines ideas of survival, government control, trust and even the reality of reality television.  Collins character is a very strong, very tough, young girl who will do whatever she must to survive.  I did not put this book down from the first page. Best for young adult audiences.

If you like this book you may also like:  City of Ember