Clone Codes

The Clone Codes #1

by Patricia C. McKissack, Fredrick L. McKissack, John McKissack

The Cyborg Wars are over and Earth has peacefully prospered for more than one hundred years. Yet sometimes history must repeat itself until humanity learns from its mistakes. In the year 2170, despite technological and political advances, cyborgs and clones are treated no better than slaves, and an underground abolitionist movement is fighting for freedom. Thirteen-year-old Leanna's entire life is thrown into chaos when The World Federation of Nations discovers her mom is part of the radical Liberty Bell Movement.

After her mother's arrest for treason, Leanna must escape as she is chased by a ruthless bounty hunter. Soon Leanna finds herself living among the Firsts, and nothing will ever be the same again. But what does The World Federation want with the daughter of a traitor? So much is uncertain. Danger hides everywhere. Fear takes over. With help from unlikely sources, Leanna learns the origin of The Liberty Bell Movement and how its members may have answers about her past-and her new reality.

As family secrets are revealed, Leanna must face startling truths about self-identity and freedom. Through time travel, advanced technologies, and artificial intelligence, this exhilarating adventure asks what it means to be human and explores the sacrifices an entire society will make to find out.

Acclaimed authors Patricia C. McKissack and Frederick L. McKissack have collaborated with their son, John to deliver a novel that is as suspenseful as it is searing.

Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Dystopia, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens

173 pages, Library Binding

First published February 1, 2010

About the author

Patricia C. McKissack was the Newbery Honor, Coretta Scott King Award-winning author of The Dark-Thirty and Porch Lies an ALA Notable Book. She collaborated with Jerry Pinkney on Goin' Someplace Special (Coretta Scott King Award winner) and Mirandy and Brother Wind (Coretta Scott King Award winner and Caldecott Honor Book).

Reviews

[Reading is my Escape · Rating 3 out of 5]

What does it mean to be human? In the year 2170, clones are created to do specific jobs and basically treated like slaves. They are created bald, with skin colors, like purple, orange, and silver and referred to by number. These measures serve to dehumanize them and make it easy for people to spot a clone. In addition to clones, there are cyborgs; a person becomes a cyborg if they have artificial or bionic parts (due to replacements from accidents or illness). Cyborgs are considered three fifths of a person.  
 
The book opens with Leanna attending virtual school and experiencing the Underground Railroad with Harriet Tubman. The reader quickly sees the comparison between slaves and the clones & cyborgs. At the start of the book, Leanna sees the clones and cyborgs as less than people also; 99% of society does. But, Leanna is about to discover some secrets that will rock her world.
 
This is a compelling story and Leanna goes through a significant transformation. Students should read this book when they learn about slavery in U.S. history. It could lead to thought-provoking discussions about slavery, cloning, and society.
 
I do have to admit that the "secrets" Leanna discovers are pretty obvious from page one, but that doesn't detract from the enjoyment of the story. At the end of the book, the authors compare fact to fiction. At 165 pages, the book is a quick, enjoyable read that also teaches some history. This is book one of a trilogy, which I will end up reading I'm sure.
 
Recommended to:
Students in grades 5 and up.
 

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the beginning pages, I devoured The Clone Codes. And despite the novel's shortness, there is plenty for the reader to take in. The futuristic setting, the science fiction element, and the non-stop action made this novel a complete page turner. The novel definitely something for all types of readers.

One aspect that really surprised me about The Clone Codes was its message. Most readers will be familiar with the history of slaves and their treatment. What is interesting is how the authors took those historic details and made them relevant in a futuristic setting. In this society, clones are treated no better than slaves. They are genetically created and altered to be mindless drones. Their purpose is to serve the society in the manner for which they have been created. Whether they be cooks, housekeepers, offices assistants... you name it, their purpose is the same: to serve the people and the society. This is a fascinating read that touches what it is to be free. And what we are willing to go through in order to maintain that freedom.

In addition to the powerful messages, the characters that Patricia and Fredrick McKissack have created are top notched. From Leanna's character to the secondary characters, and even the clones, the novel has so much diversity. This gives the reader a chance to really connect with the novel. To understand all sides of the argument and decide for themselves which side they would choose. This is an amazing novel that blew me away.

While it remains to be seen if there will be a sequel, this is definitely one novel that I would love to see more of. As it is, the ending is not quite what I expected due to it ending so abruptly. Currently, I am crossing my fingers and hoping that I will be able to see more of Leanna and her adventure.

[Alma Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read this book, at first when I started I thought it was only gonna be about a girl and her mother. But once I finished this book I was all wrong about what I thought it was. This story took place in 2170, the girl's name in this particular story is Leanna Deberry and she finds out that her mother Dr.Annette Deberry is hiding something from her.
Leanna's mother told her that she was associated with the Liberty Bell Movement (LBM) and in that time people thought that if you were associated with those people that you were considered a traitor and wanted to build a clone and cyborg army to destroy the world. Joe Spiller was and agent of the Clone Humane Society, Taylor Graham was elected for High Chancellor of The World Federation of the Nations (WFN). The Liberty Bell Movement is a group that doesn't believe slavery or segregation. Dr.Annette Deberry stated "We think of ourselves as abolitionists" like Harriet Tubman was during her time. Dr Annette said "Clones are flesh and blood, just like you and me." Leanna's mother thinks that everyone should be treated equally no matter what-- some people might disagree with her statement but I very much think that is very important because why treat certain people differently than others, there's honestly no point for it. People thought Tubman was an extremist and that's why the LBM was functional.
Spiller wanted to arrest Leanna's mother but her mother wanted to keep Leanna safe--so Dr.Annette Deberry told Leanna to go to Dr.Anatol Ayala who was Dr.Annette friend. Leanna was very worried for her mother, she never thought her mother would tell her something like that. So Leanna went to Dr.Ayala and assumed she would also be apart of the LBM just like her mother and she was completely right. Dr.Ayala told Leanna more about the LBM and that she owned a clone (#9767). But Dr.Ayala's mind was elsewhere, she had to go hide somewhere because she knew Spiller was gonna get her next. So Leanna and the clone (#9767) went to the Gypsy City,Captain Newton owned the area. Before arriving Leanna very well knew that Newton was the owner of the area--finally they arrived and showed Leanna where she'd be staying for now.
She put on her 'commglasses' to read a scrapbook--while she was reading a virtual figure came up with her mother's face. Her mother said "It's time for you to know the truth." Dr.Annette stated "I had planned to to share all this with you in person, when you were older. But unfortunately my plans have been ruined, I'm so sorry but you need to know who you are... Leanna you're my beautiful daughter which I love so much, I'd d0 anything to save your life. When you were a child cloning was illegal, your great grandfather made a cloning machine. A cooperation named Topas bought the invention--and used it to produce a race of slaves. Topas made millions of dollars doing that-- meanwhile Pap-Pap worked on a formula that would stabilize cell growth for the clones. They needed a baby that would grow and learn just like a regular human child-- no gene manipulation or chip insertions. Leanna knew that infant cloning was illegal.
Dr.Annette continued "I met Forest Deberry your father,when he became apart of the LBM. But he was also the love of my life and the only reason for my happiness. I'd never met anyone so kind,thoughtful,strong.. We got married 6 months later on a boat on a hot August day. Forest was the one who came up with the idea that the LBM needed to test Pap-Pap's stabilizer by cloning an infant. We knew that making that decision would be very riskful and illegal but while we thought about it I found out I was pregnant." So Mr. and Mrs. Deberry decided to have twins a clone and a human child. Leanna asked why they didn't tell her that her sister Lindsey was a clone that's when Mrs.Deberry said "No Leanna it's the other way around." Leanna had to let what she was just told sink in,she wanted to find who she was.
I rate this book a 5 out of 5 because it was very interesting seeing how everything changed throughout the story--I would recommend this book to people who like be surprised or to people who like suspense. It was interesting finding out who Leanna really was.

[Alyssabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was initially drawn in by the idea, which was great and had so much potential. Of course, the finished product doesn’t always amount to potential. I easily guessed the plot. When Leanna was surprised and stunned about something she just discovered I was thinking what! You didn’t already know that? I've been guessing that the whole book! The writing is beginner and I could’ve easily written it, which is saying a lot. The worse part to me, though, was that it seemed like it was trying to teach a lesson. Don’t get me wrong- I am one hundred and ten percent against slavery- but when it comes to books I read for entertainment , I don’t want to feel like I’m in school(I already spend like 8 hours in school every day, and don’t need anymore!). It was a good idea but it feels almost as if they put TOO much research into this.

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[Mary Emma Sivils · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a cool concept…but it just really fell short for me. The characters had no depth and the plot seemed kind of aimless. At least it was easy to get through quickly. 😅

[Delenn Jadzia · Rating 1 out of 5]

About six months ago, I went to babysit for a family friend. On my way there, the car in front of me broke down, causing me to nearly break down in tears because I had no clue how to turn right at the intersection, and it was one of my first times driving alone. Luckily, after the people in the car in front of me signaled for me to go around them, I managed to make it to the kids I was going to be babysitting.
Everything was fine, at first. There were two boys, aged about two and seven, and because it was about eight pm, the baby was already asleep. Their mom said goodbye, and the older boy was playing with his crafts, and I thought I was in for a moderately relaxing evening. I was probably as wrong in that moment as I have ever been in my life, and I have failed my fair share of exams. It started with the older one asking for popcorn, which in and of itself is a perfectly reasonable request. His mom had told me we could have whatever was in the cabinet, and lo and behold there was popcorn in the cabinet, so I made some. The kid sat and ate some while he made annoying paper airplanes to throw around the house, and I listened to broadway showtunes through my headphones while I collected the airplanes and brought them back. Then I came back from round three of airplane-gathering, and I was missing one seven-year-old kid.
It only took me about ten seconds to figure out that he was in the bathroom, and I shrugged it off. Everyone has to go to the bathroom sometimes, after all. Three minutes later and I was less sure that this was all sunshine and lollipops. I asked his if he was okay, and he responded with only the most foreboding giggles I have heard in my life
A few moments later: "I pooped on the ground."
"You're kidding, right?" I asked him. Seven year olds are not world-famous for their truth-telling.
In response, he simply opened the door. Suddenly, an evening of showtunes and crafts became a little boy with no pants on standing in a puddle of excrement.
I handled this in the way that only someone used to the last-minute cramming for Calculus tests can: with the knowledge that rock bottom means you can only move up. So I made him clean up a bit and then herded him upstairs, where I engaged in a debate over the necessity of new pants. Luckily, he finally agreed and put on new pants. Before doing so, however, he ran into the nursery to grab some wipes to clean up.
That was about the moment the baby woke up, asking first very politely then less-than-politely to bring him to his mom "right now right now". I scooped him up, we went downstairs, and the older one immediately started feeding the younger one popcorn. Now, I had not been given dietary instructions for the little one. Are babies supposed to eat popcorn? I still don't know, and I had less of a clue then.
In the end, I didn't die and neither did anyone else, but I rather wish that none of it had taken place. And that's about how I feel about having read this book.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book's plotline was flat. Literally. I couldn't find a single thing that is as flat as this book's plotline. I get it that Leanna (was that her name? I forgot.) was like this custodian or guardian of earth or something, but add some interesting scenes, like fight scenes or scary ones or intimate ones, whatever, I don't care, this book just revovled around this whole finding rights for clones and cyborgs, and how Leanna like swifting. For some reason, I just couldn't read past the first chapter. But I did. I finished the book. The ending SUCKED...... So RUby is blasting off to the moon, am I the only one that thinks that this is just too sudden? A computer operated spaceship justs takes in these people and blasts iff. WOW... so yeah, this book definitely deserves a two-star.

[Amara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this years ago but I remember really enjoying it.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

Bringing together the past and the potential future, this was a great read.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the book The Clone Codes by Patricia C. McKissack. I think when Patricia was writing this book she was thinking of a way to explain the past in a modern, exciting, and interesting way. This book takes place in 2170. Leanna is a thirteen year old girl attending what is called a virtual school, she doesn’t even leave home. She uses special glasses to take part in all her classes, even p.e., her favorite is history. They get to experience what it was like to be there, you would never guess you weren’t really there, it feels so real.She lives with just her mom because her twin sister and father passed away due to a fatal car crash. Since this book takes place in the future there are many improvements in technology. The government has created clones of humans to do work and make their lives easier, but there is a lot of debate on whether or not they should be treated like humans. The government doesn’t think so, but Leanna’s mom has different ideas. She is part of an illegal organization for clone rights called The Liberty Bell Movement. She truly believes, like others, that clones have emotions, should have rights, and should be treated like human beings. One day she is caught and taken away by the government. Leanna realizes her mom has left a video behind for her to watch to explain some things. She explains that when she became pregnant they decided they wanted to have a human daughter and a clone, Leanna is the clone and she can’t believe it. Leanna must learn to accept it and fight for the cause.There is a very strong simile between the clones struggles to receive freedom and the African Americans in the United States. I think she was trying to explain this in a modern and easy way to understand as well as entertain us.
The book flowed really nicely and it went in very logical order. I liked the detailed description and how it could make you feel like you are really there. There was always something going on to keep you engaged and wanting to know more.
The word structure was good. There were a few big words in it because it takes place in the future with new things and new concepts, but Patricia still made it easy to understand. It was written for teens so the language and style is easy to follow, but at the same time it doesn’t seem dumbed down. It never became boring and I never wanted to put it down.

“So what if this is virtual--it feels so real. The smells of early autumn and the sounds of night creatures are all around me. What a cool way to learn history.” (Mckissack 2)

This passage is at the very beginning when Leanna is doing school work. I chose this quote because I liked how it shows the kind of world Leanna lives in and the things she gets to experience. It also shows how technology can make things seem so real even when they aren’t. It’s also possible that something like this could be around in the future.

“‘No, Leanna. It’s the other way around. Honey, you’re the clone.’
Suddenly it felt like all the air had been sucked out of the room.
A punch in the stomach. That is what this news is. A fist to my gut.
The other way around. Leanna...you’re the clone.
My tears seem to be laced with acid-- oh, do they sting.
‘Are you saying… I’m …’ I force myself to spit out the words. ‘… a Second?’
V-Mom nods. ‘Yes, Leanna, a clone.’
I rip off my commglasses and hurl them against the wall. ‘It’s not true!’ I scream. ‘Stop saying that!’ I pound the wall. ‘I’m not a clone!’ I gag on my words. My throat feels thick, and I throw up.
‘Clones are not human! I’m human!’
Staying in the same room with this news is unbearable. I have to get out of here.” (Mckissack 60-61)

This passage is after her mom is taken and she is watching the video. She is informed she is a clone. I chose this passage because it is really important to the plot line as well as I really like how effective it is. This really helps us understand how Leanna is feeling and her stand on clones and who they are as people. This passage is very critical to the story and understanding Leanna.

One of the tips I got from this book for writing would be having a secret message. Patricia wrote a book that was interesting and fun to read, but also a book with meaning. It helped for me to understand some things about slavery and civil rights. I also liked how much action was going on in the book. I didn’t want to ever put it down. I should read my work and see if I would get bored while reading it and then change it to make it more interesting. I also thought the book flowed really well and it was easy to follow and comprehend. I need to make sure my readers understand my thinking and I should write with that in mind.

[Rebekah Steffen · Rating 2 out of 5]

First, I will say that I understand this was likely written for a younger audience. Even with that in mind, I still feel like the writing is not great.

I purchased this book when I was actually in the fifth grade at a book fair because I was really into dystopian stories at that time but I only just now got around the reading it.

The plot is very predictable and you can guess the plot twists within the first chapter. Once the main character is taken the the floating city and then to Atlantis, the plot is boring and I started to lose interest but I finished the book because it is so short. The individual plot points also moved incredibly fast so it never goes below surface level.

The characters are static and shallow. There’s no development within the protagonist and none of the other characters are especially memorable or interesting.

The dialogue is sometimes painful to get through with how much exposition is dumped on us with every conversation. The protagonist asks a lot of stupid questions just so that the other characters can explain something and then she immediately accepts it and changes her mind. It’s a tedious formula used over and over.

Now I know this is meant for a younger audience, but there are plenty of books aimed at the same demographic that are a higher quality.

[Dianne Salerni · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Clone Codes should have been a fantastic book. The setting and premise are promising – a future world where clones and cyborgs are treated as property and less-than-human. An underground organization, deliberately compared to the Underground Railroad on the nineteenth century, strives to win personal rights for all human beings, and members find themselves declared enemies of the state. Leanna Deberry, a teenage girl clone who was raised as a human, represents the sole proof that second-generation beings are equal to their progenitors.

In my opinion, it’s the style of writing that diminishes this wonderful premise into a 3-star book. In the belief that young readers have no patience, the authors have rushed to dump us immediately into the danger-escape-chase mode, without taking the time to build a setting full of richly drawn characters we care about. I found the writing extremely bumpy at the beginning. I believe that readers delving into science fiction and fantasy need to be given time and space to suspend their disbelief. The book should draw you in gently until you are willing to believe whatever the narration gives you. Instead, while reading The Clone Codes, I found myself saying, “C’mon now! Do you expect me to buy this?”

Throw in some aliens where none are really needed, and include the unfortunate fact that there are few surprises in the book (every big reveal was something that I’d seen coming for a long time) and readers may be left with a disappointment.

[Diane Ferbrache · Rating 3 out of 5]

By the year 2170, human clones and cyborgs are commonplace. Clones have been created to act as slaves for their “firsts” (human owners) and have very specific laws that must be followed. Cyborgs (humans with more than 3/5 of their parts replaced) are also held under similar constraints, although not as severely as Clones. When Leanna’s mother is arrested as part of a treasonous group, the Liberty Bell, Leanna discovers something surprising about her past and embarks on a harrowing escape from the authorities. With the help of some virtual “Custodians” (Ben Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt & others), Leanna learns some harsh truths about the world she lives in.
This is an interesting adventure from the McKissack family that should appeal to young readers. Older readers will quickly tire of the way too obvious comparisons with racism and slavery in the US. But the action is swift and the characters likeable. It’s the first in a series, so look for a follow-up featuring Houston, the cyborg. This is a nice sci-fi story for younger readers, but I quickly bored of the way too obvious message here.

[Lore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually had my eye on this one for a while. Come on, it's about clones! How could I not love it? Well unfortunately, I didn't love it. I did still like it though. It seems like I wasn't able to fully connect to the characters or really get too invested in what happened to them. A ++ for concept though! The whole toryline and premise was exciting and thought-provoking. I just wish I had cared more about the characters! Definitely looking forward to a sequel if there is going to be one. I'd love to learn more about this world and hopefully meet more of it's characters.

Thanks to the publisher and Goodreads for this Firstreads book!

[Kogiopsis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Have you ever taken an American History class?
Ever heard of the Underground Railroad?
Good.
Don't waste your time on this book. You've heard the story almost exactly already, and just because the cover's awesome doesn't mean it's all sci-fi and badass.

Maybe not the best thing for me to pick up the year I'm taking APUSH, but there you go.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stopped at page 64 due to the OVERWHELMING predictability of the plot. Really. Really. Predictable.

The first 2 big plot bombs? Guessed them before I had even finished the first chapter. *sigh and meh* Tried to make myself read further--look at that cool cover! it's got to get better! and there's a history component; that's good, right?--but just couldn't subject myself to this torture.

[Emily Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I reading this book, I thought that everything was going to be about a girl who finds out something that her mother haven't told her. When I finished this book I noticed that I was wrong. This book takes time in 2170, it's actually about a girl named Leanna Deberry who finds out what her mother was hiding from her. Dr. Annette Deberry, Leanna's mother told Leanna was she was hiding but just right in time.
Leanna's mother told Leanna that she was a member of The Liberty Bell Movement (LBM) People were believed that if you were a part of that, that means that your a traitor and extremists who wanted to build a clone and cyborg army to destroy the world. They were believed by Joe Spiller, an Agent of the Clone Humane Society. Taylor Graham, who as been elected High Chancellor of The World Federation of Nations (WFN). (LBM) are a group of people who doesn't believe in slavery or segregation. Annette D. was believed "We think of ourselves as abolitionists. Like Harriet Tubman (Harriet Tubman was an American abolitionist, humanitarian, and an armed scout and spy for the United States Army during the American Civil War).... Clones are flesh and blood-same as you and me...." Leanna's mother was believed that all people should be treated equal not matter what. I agree because their no reason to not treat the same way as other people for no reason. Everybody was also believed that Harriet Tubman was an extremist and that the (LMB) was a fictional.
Joe Spiller went to arrest Leanna's mother and Leanna's mother wanted Leanna safe. Leanna's mother told Leanna if their was an emergency, to go to Dr. Anatol Ayala who's a friend of Leanna's mother (Doc Doc). Leanna was so worried of her mom, she never expected what her mother told her. She went to Doc Doc house, Leanna had a feeling that Doc Doc was a part of that group and she was right. Doc Doc would tell Leanna more about the (LBM) and that he owns a clone (#9767). Doc Doc knew that she had to go somewhere else very soon Joe Spiller was going to know that he was also in part of (LMB). Leanna and (#9767) went to Gypsy City, Captain Newton owns the place. Leanna knew that Doc Doc is the captain of Gypsy City, he's the inspector. Finally they arrived and showed Leanna her room. She put on that her commglasses to read a scrapbook. While she was reading, her mother face appears in virtual. Leanna's mother claimed, "It's time for you to know the truth."
The mother claimed, "I had planned to share all of this with you in person when you were older and better prepared. If you are here, then it means, unfortunately, that our plans have been altered. I am so sorry, but you need to know who you are....Leanna, you are my beautiful daughter, and I love you. I would freely give my life to protect and save yours. So would a lot of other people....When infant cloning was made illegal, your great-grandfather developed an adult-cloning replicator. The Topas Corporation bought the invention and used it to mass-produce a race of slaves. But the clones lived only twelve years because of their rapid cell deterioration. Topas made billions of dollars doing this. Meanwhile, Pap-Pap worked on formula that would stabilize cell growth. This would have allowed infant cloning to take place safely again....Topas Corporation didn't have to make clones look the way they do....Pap-Pap's stabilizer had to be rested. We needed to make a baby that would grow and learn, same as any human child. No gene manipulation and chip insertions." Leanna knew that infant cloning is illegal. Leanna's mom continued, "I met Forest Deberry, your father, when he become part of (LBM), but he was also the love of my life and reason for my happiness. I'd never met anybody so thoughtful and kind, yet strong and disciplined...We were married six months later on a hot August day...Forest was the ones who cam up with the idea that (LBM) needed to test Pap-Pap's stabilizer by cloning a baby. We knew such a project would be dangerous and illegal....During those debate, I discovered I was pregnant. Your dad and I deiced to have twins- one a natural child and once a clone." Leanna knew that Lindsay, her sister and Daddy were killed in a farcar accident. She was confused why she didn't tell her that her sister is a clone. Leanna's mother looked at Leanna and said,"No, Leanna. It's the other way around. Honey, you're the clone." Later then Leanna have to figure out the situation she on and to show herself who she actually is and it doesn't make a difference of who are.
The conflict of the story was person vs. person, Leann vs Other People who are against (LBM). Leanna is facing her situation about her mom being part of (LBM). The author's purpose of this story was us to understand people will fight to defend what they believe is right no matter how wring it may be. For example Leanna is fighting for her mother and he rights and to show everyone that they're not evil. I really liked this book because it made me realized a lot of things. This quotes was the one that I like and made me think is quote about the book, "People will fight to defend what they believe is right no matter how wrong it may be." This means that people will fight to defend what they believe and that what Leanna doing. This book I recommend is those who is interest in futuristic fiction.

[✧nicole✧ · Rating 1 out of 5]

lol this book sucked i read it when i was 8 and I still remember how BAD IT WAS, i advise everyone to not read it bc of how cheesy and dumb and predictable it is and save ur money and to not waste it on this piece of poop that calls itself literature

[Salvador Vazquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A scientific future awaiting you to read it's amazing things.

[Seirra Weaber · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really interesting to me.

[Sami]

It was a very good book, because it was in the future and it feels like you are part of the book. It's moral is that you should clones like you would like to be treated.

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is set about 150 years in the future, not too long by most standards, so it was both familiar and different. The book started a little slow, which sounds odd considering that it opened with the arrest of the central character's mother! However, after a while it was intriguing, well written and timelyl.

The book explores the question that we have dealt with in the world, mainly, what criteria need to be met in order for a person to be considered a person, a human, and not an object to be treated the same as a car, just without the value?

In this fictional world, clones are created from "real" humans, as inferior 'things' to do specific (such as cooks) and are treated like slaves. They have no rights, no property, and are created unable to lie. They also have skin colors determining what kind of role they will have, and are given numbers, not names. If damaged, they are simply destroyed.

There is another servant/slave caste as well, cyborgs. The cyborg rule comes in when a specific percentage of a damaged human is replaced with synthetic parts, such as eyes or hearts or legs. Once that plateau is reached, the 'person' is no longer human, cannot own property or deal with humans on equal basis.

Both of these are unnerving to say the least. I see the echoes of past efforts to dehumanize people of different races and homelands (Asians and Irish come to mind). I also saw the echo of the one-drop rules in the ruling that a cyborg is considered three-fifths of a person.

As the book opens with a virtual class about slaves escaping with Harriet Tubman, the reader is shocked into seeing the comparisons. Leanna, our main character, has always seen clones and cyborgs as non-human, but as the story unfolds, she begins to have a different viewpoint. The reasons are obvious to the reader, even if somewhat pedantic in tone.

This compelling story be part of the student education when slavery in U.S. and World history are discussed, as it could and should lead to discussions on the pivotal topics of slavery, enforced servitude, cloning, and the ways that people should and could benefit or receive harm, or have, from these topics.

One great thing the authors have done is include reasoning on the Clone Code to the back of the book, including historical information on figures mentioned, or who play a role, in this book. This is great information in a few pages, and that alone makes it a rock star!

I did rate it down a little because in places the story drags, but overall it is a great way to bring the subjects up without pointing fingers at current events in a way that brings shame. The secrets are not really hidden, the truths are glaring, but the story is strong enough to overcome that, and I would heartily recommend this book, and probably the series, to students from about grade 3 to grade 10, or at any point where the discussion of slavery comes up.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This futuristic novel takes place in 2170; the United States is occupied by humans, clones, and cyborgs. Humans are the superior race within this novel. Clones are inclined to be treated like slaves and complete tasks that humans do not want to do. On the other hand, cyborgs are considered three-fifths of a human being. A human is classified as a cyborg if they have at least three bionic body parts. The main character of the book is a thirteen-year-old girl named Leanne. The book begins with Leanne finding out that her mother and family friend (Doc Doc) are participants in the abolitionary group called The Liberty Bell. The Liberty Bell’s goal is to bring equality amongst humans, clones, and cyborgs. Like many humans, Leanne despises The Liberty Bell because she believes that clones are nothing like humans. She is outraged to find out that two of her favorite people could believe that a clone should have the same rights as a human. Members of the government end up finding her mother and Doc Doc and detain them. Luckily, Leeann is able to escape before they find her. What Leeann does not know is that she will go on a journey that will question her beliefs and opinion of herself.
The Clone Codes was a quick read, yet a predictable book. The mystery behind who is the unnamed girl that “the O” refers to is not much of a mystery. I believe that the mystery may stay true to a reader between the ages of twelve to fourteen years old though. I found the book appealing because of the nature of robots and humans existing in the same world. Additionally, the idea that there are differing opinions about whether realistic and humanistic robots should have rights or not. If they look and act like a human, should they be treated as if they were a human? One of my favorite video games is Detroit: Become Human; therefore, I was searching for a book that had similar themes. A difference between the two is that in this book clones can age. In the video game, it seems that people purchase a clone that remains the same age. An issue within the book’s society is that for some reason clones die once they reach the age of twelve. If you are someone that enjoys science fiction movies like Ready Player One, then this might just be the book for you.

[Kaeli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Technology is advanced and clones have been invented as a way to not pay for labor you need done. The classes consist of Firsts, Cyborgs then Seconds which are clones. There is a movement called the Liberty Bell that knows clones are being oppressed by their makers. A scientific discovery with clones has been done and is on the run. Cyborgs and clones have degrading laws toward them.

The main character is Leanna, who is carefree and doesn't care about clones. Then her mom has some secrets revealed and is forced to go on the run. Learning that she is a clone and is the only proof to help both clones and cyborgs. She at first wants to only survive and have someone else do the work, but realizes she needs to help her kind. She is now apart of the Liberty Bell Movement and wants freedom for the clones.

I thought this novel was interesting because it could be a possible future for the human race. We are so focused in technology that Virtual worlds will be a possibly in the future just like in the book. But a lot of things such as time traveling just seems unreal. Maybe in the future way ahead but in 30 years I don't think so because we barely got self driving cars. Also space travel will probably become a possibility if the world gets too polluted but i think great leaps will have to be taken

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is mixed emotions. This book was about a teenage girl who was cloned by her twin sister. This is a world of the clones and cyborgs mixed in with the normal people. They are hiding in the shadows. This author writes this book to show that clones and cyborgs are not bad people and they can help improve the world but that is not how the people in this book sees it. They want to kill as many of them as they can before they think that the clones will take over the world. I like the part when Leanna who is the sister clone hid in her moms friends house during the raids at her house and she met a cyborg who was giving scraps to eat and then the liberty came in to search and she ran away. That shows how bad the people there want the clones. Soon she realizes that she has the power to clone anyone and turn and look into anyone in the book so that she does´t have to hide in the shadows, and then the best part is when she meets friends for the first time. There were some parts in the book that were super boring like when she was on a ride on a back of the truck to the cities rulers house to take the ship from them and fly away but other than that it was a good book.

[Mary Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great example of "Goodreads reviews aren't always reliable." I was a little worried when I saw the meh overall rating and some popular reviews pretty much trashing it.... but it was really, really good! Some melodramatic dialogue and not the subtlest of plots, but it's a middle grade novel and the McKissacks aren't really going for subtlety in the first place.
This book explores enslavement as an American tradition and introduces the reader to a few historical figures and facts. Leanna, the MC who tells the story, lives in 2170 when people are patting themselves on the back for being post-racial and post-slavery while enslaving color-coded human clones. Cognitive dissonance, defensive behaviors, and hypocrisy are handled very skillfully by the authors -- making one wonder why many reviewers experienced so much discomfort while reading it, heh. This lil review in no way does the book justice and I recommend reading it yourself. I'm glad I borrowed the 2nd and 3rd installments and am gonna go start number 2.

[P.M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Leanna seems like a typical 13 year old girl of the future. She attends school (albeit a virtual school) and discusses boys with her best friend. This idyllic life is interrupted when a bounty hunter arrives to arrest her mother as a participant in the Liberty Bell movement which is trying to get freedom and equal rights for clones and cyborgs. Leanna escapes and goes on the run with a cyborg while trying to save her mother who will be tried in front of the Supreme Court and deal with a terrifying secret about herself. Much of the book is a metaphor for the civil rights movement and the Abolitionist movement while extolling heroes like Benjamin Franklin, John Marshall Harlan, and Eleanor Roosevelt. The authors have promised to tell Houston's (a cyborg) story in the next volume. However, I don't think I will continue this series as I didn't really connect with Leanna.

[Tiandra Dodd · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Clone Codes by Patricia C. McKissack is a book that focuses in the year 2170 and all activities are virtual even P.E. class. Also every family owns a clone, but these clones are 0/5 human. They are manufactured and overtime their parts malfunction. After reading this book, I have come to the realization it was not one of my favorites. I found it to be very confusing and could have been expressed in a different way. I understand science fiction books are supposed to make the reader think critically, but I found myself more confused than anything. This book was not my cup of tea, but I could see it being other young students. Overall, this book had a great idea, but in my opinion it was too confusing to follow along with.

[Twinkly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes place in the future where clones are part of Earth and treated as slaves - "Seconds" - and there is so much advancement in technology that you can go to school through virtual glasses from your bedroom.

I wish Leanna had more personality. She was dull compared to her mom who was part of the Liberty Bell Movement that wants clones to be treated as equals instead of slaves. The main so called secret wasn't too difficult to guess. Leanne finds out about the secret after she's on the run after her mom gets arrested and she gets to see a 'scrapbook' through the glasses.

This book was a pretty fast read and is a part of my childhood reading saga, except at that time a decade ago, I didn't realize this was a series, so that's something I'll have to catch up to.

[TammyJo Eckhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to keep reminding myself that this is for middle school ages, and that even though the ideas behind it are adult, the language and plot might be simpler. Easier to read doesn't mean it should be less believable. There were many times when I just cringed and shook my head because the characters behaved in ways that aren't aligned with how smart and trained they are supposed to be. I wish there was more "future history" in the book, but I understand that the author and teachers may want to focus on our history than speculation for this age group. It is an exciting concept and the action is well written. Ignore the cover art which looks nothing like a 13-year old girl; covers rarely are the visions of the authors.