This is a middle grade/young adult book written for actual middle grade/young adult readers. As a 40-something reader who frequently enjoys young adult reads, it’s a book I wish existed when I was much younger—but didn’t love it for this stage of my life, if that makes sense?
I do think this is a book that should be available in every classroom and library in middle and high schools, and should be discussed widely among groups of young people (including, but not limited to, trusted adults of young people or anyone who may need to help a young person who struggles with their sexuality and what their feelings mean). As a parent, it was quite useful to read and I hope it helps me to be more empathetic if any of my son’s friends need a listening ear as they mature.
Following a group of girls who were removed from their homes in a dystopian society that prides itself on “traditional” values…where these girls were removed for being “special” or having “great worth” to the government…and then being placed into “elite” schools where they are taught how to be members of good society.
Turns out boys were being removed too…and being sent to similar all-boys schools…
…and then the girls figure out WHY they were sent there (slight spoiler, the government is a surveillance state and most either had girlfriends or same-sex crushes or preferred masc pronouns before they were “selected”…and remember what I noted about the government’s “traditional” values…ugh)
I absolutely loved the rebellion stage.
Overall, an excellent MG/YA read that should be widely read and discussed!!
I do think this is a book that should be available in every classroom and library in middle and high schools, and should be discussed widely among groups of young people (including, but not limited to, trusted adults of young people or anyone who may need to help a young person who struggles with their sexuality and what their feelings mean). As a parent, it was quite useful to read and I hope it helps me to be more empathetic if any of my son’s friends need a listening ear as they mature.
Following a group of girls who were removed from their homes in a dystopian society that prides itself on “traditional” values…where these girls were removed for being “special” or having “great worth” to the government…and then being placed into “elite” schools where they are taught how to be members of good society.
Turns out boys were being removed too…and being sent to similar all-boys schools…
…and then the girls figure out WHY they were sent there (slight spoiler, the government is a surveillance state and most either had girlfriends or same-sex crushes or preferred masc pronouns before they were “selected”…and remember what I noted about the government’s “traditional” values…ugh)
I absolutely loved the rebellion stage.
Overall, an excellent MG/YA read that should be widely read and discussed!!