The Firefly Code

[Jane]

A great book for Year 7/8 students and a neat twist on the popular dystopian genre. Initially everything seems just dandy for Mori and her friends living in the apparently utopian community of New Harmonie. But events transpire that cause Mori to start questioning how & why their community is managed, and we find out that outside the boundaries of New Harmonie life isn't nearly as rosy. I found this a really entertaining and exciting read, and I would highly recommend it.
This would also be an ideal book for those studying genetics (one of our Inquiry topics at Heaton). Other points for discussion include what makes a happy community and the issue of freedom and free will versus a regulated society; and standing by your friends and standing up to authority
I've put in in my General Fiction collection (not YA).
I think it would make a great Read Aloud.
Fans of "The Giver" would enjoy this - it is not quite as "dark" as The Giver.