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What Members Thought
First up, my bookgroup kids gave it an unanimous 10 out of 10 - they loved it, and it made a great discussion book. What they really loved was the concept - the magical, artistic world, fighting with origami dragons and paperclips and paint. I'll admit that I read for character and writing style more than I read for plot, and those were the places where the book fell flat. The plot isn't original, but the pace is quick and the story probably feels original to the intended audience. I got tripped
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Grades 4-7. Standard fantasy fare. Dystopian world Quill eliminates the weakest 13Year-olds each year. They are called the Unwanteds and are sent to their deaths in a burning lake of oil.
Alex and his brother Aaron are very different. Alex is Unwanted because he has been caught being creative, an undesirable trait. Aaron is a rule-follower with great ambitions.
But nothing is what it seems. Unwanteds aren't being killed. In fact, they may have it even better. Now Alex wants to rescue his twin, bu ...more
Alex and his brother Aaron are very different. Alex is Unwanted because he has been caught being creative, an undesirable trait. Aaron is a rule-follower with great ambitions.
But nothing is what it seems. Unwanteds aren't being killed. In fact, they may have it even better. Now Alex wants to rescue his twin, bu ...more
An interesting combination of elements in this book, described as "Harry Potter meets the Hunger Games", but definitely less violent than the latter. I enjoyed the creative, magical elements as well as the main character, but would have liked more character development of some of the others, which may come up in the next 2 books -- I am interested enough to continue.
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What a fantastic read! Kirkus reviews says, "The Hunger Games meets Harry Potter." I would have to add that it reminds me of Lois Lowry's The Giver. This book will open so many discussions with upper elementary and middle school children. Thank you Jenny Aven for introducing me to author Lisa McMann.
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Recommended Ages:
In a society that purges thirteen-year-olds who are creative, identical twins Aaron and Alex are separated, one to attend University while the other, supposedly Eliminated, finds himself in a wondrous place where youths hone their abilities and learn magic.
In a society that purges thirteen-year-olds who are creative, identical twins Aaron and Alex are separated, one to attend University while the other, supposedly Eliminated, finds himself in a wondrous place where youths hone their abilities and learn magic.
I enjoyed this book, and am surprised that I've read 2 fantasy books in less than a month -- I'm not normally a fantasy fan. Really looking forward to the second book in the series to find out what's next for these characters.
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a plot-driven, world-building middle grade dystopian fantasy that booktalks itself. (I'll try to remember to post my booktalk here next time I am at work.)
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I am so happy to have a book to suggest to younger readers who are interested in books like "The Hunger Games". This one was fun!
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The eldest nephew loved this - can't recall who recommended or if I just found it myself.
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2.5 stars
Dystopia with magic. Some interesting elements here. A winning combination for Harry Potter fans. 4th-8th
I really wish we could have seen more of Alex and Aaron's childhood to understand what happened to bring them to this point. Maybe in the second book.
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I found this reminiscent of "The Mysterious Benedict Society" more than Harry Potter or the Hunger Games.
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Jul 21, 2010
Rachel
marked it as to-read
Jun 29, 2011
Karyn The Pirate
marked it as to-read
Jul 21, 2011
Amanda A
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
audiobook,
read-in-2011
Oct 14, 2016
Shelley
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
kids-fiction,
newbery
Jan 25, 2012
Geni
marked it as to-read
Jul 22, 2012
Margo Jantzi
marked it as to-read
Oct 21, 2014
Claire Caterer
marked it as to-read
Jan 11, 2015
Annette
marked it as to-read
