First published in 1993 (Houghton Mifflin), Lois Lowry’s unforgettable novel makes its long-awaited big screen debut on August 15. Jonas (Brenton Thwaites) lives in a seemingly perfect though monochromatic society where serenity has been obtained through conformity and tight control. When the young man is apprenticed to The Giver (Jeff Bridges), the keeper of his community’s memories, Jonas begins to discover truths about the past, knowledge that opens his eyes to the world around him, placing him in danger and requiring him to make harrowing choices to save the people he loves. Directed by Phillip Noyce, the film adaptation (PG-13) of Lowry’s dystopian trailblazer reconfigures Jonas and his contemporaries as teenagers (rather than just-turned-12-year-olds), infuses the pensive plot with hearty doses of action, and expands the role of the Chief Elder to counterbalance that of The Giver (and accommodate the talents of Meryl Streep). Youngsters can visit the official website for videos, photos, and more.
Houghton Mifflin has reissued the novel with a movie tie-in cover showing a photo of The Giver (2014; Gr 6-9) and his protégée, arms clasped and minds linked; viewed through an eye-shaped opening, the image is presented in flat black-and-white with a full-color reflection fittingly mirrored below. Lowry’s introduction muses about the novel’s “spurts and stops” journey to cinema adaptation, the never-waning enthusiasm of readers, and the fact that though there is now a film version “…the book hasn’t gone away. It has simply grown up, grown larger, and begun to glisten in a new way.” Appended are brief interviews with cast members Thwaites, Taylor Swift (The Giver’s daughter), and Cameron Monaghan (Jonas’s best friend Asher).
World-gone-wrong reads
These dystopian chillers, postapocalyptic page-turners, and other world-warpers create distinctively imagined versions of reality to explore the essence of what it means to be human. Featuring an assortment of disconcertingly flawed societies and scenarios, these mesmerizing tales place the responsibility for bringing about positive change squarely in the hands of young adults. In addition to breathless adventure, these books resonate with coming-of-age themes as characters make discoveries about themselves and grow in confidence, learn to calibrate their own moral compasses, and find the courage to fight for right. Recommend these recent releases to fans of The Giver and other popular reality-bending movies (the film adaptation of James Dashner’s The Maze Runner [Delacorte, 2009] premieres in September).
Say no to societal control
Earth’s resources have been decimated by war and climate change, and food supplies have dried up. Instead of eating, people drink Synthamil, a nutritional beverage provided exclusively by mega-corporation One World, and receive regular inoculations that quash hunger pangs along with strong emotions and sexuality. Daughter of a leading company scientist, 17-year-old Thalia Apple lives a sheltered life of privilege, but quietly questions the status quo. When her stomach experiences an odd rumbling, she realizes that she is Hungry (Feiwel and Friends, 2014; Gr 8 Up)—not only for sustenance but also for answers. Thalia’s quest for the truth about One World’s monopoly on nutrition leads her deep into an underground resistance group (and the company of a charismatic boy from the crumbling Outer Loops), enlightens her about the suffering of those who inhabit the bleaker side of the economic divide, and soon has her falsely branded as terrorist and on the run for her life. Can a “privy” like her save the world? H. A. Swain’s robust dystopian feast serves up an alarmingly possible future flawlessly seasoned with thought-provoking social commentary, a satisfying side of self-realization, and extra portions of delectably fast-paced action; the budding romance between Thalia and Basil is icing on the cake.
Set in an alternative America, Elizabeth Fama’s Plus One (Farrar, 2014; Gr 9 Up) features a society strictly segregated into two classes: “Smudges” live and work during the night, and higher-status “Rays” inhabit the daylight hours. Fiery and headstrong, Sol Le Coeur, a 16-year-old Smudge, has resolved to kidnap her newborn niece—a Ray—from the maternity ward to ensure that Sol’s terminally ill grandfather has a chance to hold his great granddaughter before he dies. Gaining entry to the hospital by deliberately injuring herself, Sol is placed under the care of a handsome Ray medical apprentice, D’Arcy Benoît, and proceeds to manipulate him shamelessly in order to carry out her crazy plan. When she mistakenly steals the wrong baby, the son of the Night Minister, she and her unwilling accomplice find themselves entangled in a political firestorm and fleeing for their lives from authorities. Suspense and emotions run high, as the teens uncover horrible truths about the unethical treatment of the Smudge population, root out family secrets, and bridge the day-night divide by falling in love. Narrated by a pleasingly reluctant, often rash heroine, this adeptly plotted novel will keep teens reading long into the night.
Still reeling from the aftermath of global nuclear warfare, a someday England is fraught with food and energy shortages. Scarce technology is mostly used to monitor and control the population, which is ruled by an iron fist. Each July, all 16-year-olds undergo the Reckoning (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2014; Gr 7 Up), a mysterious test that determines his or her lifelong profession and place in society. From this pool, 30 teens are chosen as 
Offerings to King Victor, a placement that brings honor and much-needed rations to one’s left-behind family but remains shrouded in secrecy. Silver Blackthorn, a tech whiz from a quiet village in the North Realm, is selected and transported to Windsor Castle, where she quickly discovers that their King—revered for ending civil strife and reorganizing the nation—is actually a sadistic brute who toys with and disposes of his Offerings at whim. Imprisoned by labyrinthine fortress walls and surveillance cameras, immersed in an atmosphere of paranoia and fear, Silver resolves to keep her head down and stay alive, but it soon becomes clear that escape is the only answer, even if it means instigating an all-out revolt. The first in a series, Kerry Wilkinson’s novel mixes medieval ambiance with futuristic fundamentals to brew up a riveting reality, and Silver’s transformation from thoughtful loner to camaraderie-inspiring leader is just as gripping as the breakneck action and heart-pounding suspense.
Paradise lost…and found
Though Earth has been ravaged by climate change, 12-year-old Devin has grown up in The One Safe Place (Algonquin, 2014; Gr 6-9), a secluded spring-fed valley that glistens like a “pocket of richness” in an otherwise parched wasteland. After his beloved grandfather dies, he’s unable to maintain their farm and strikes out to seek help. Arriving in a city sharply split between rich and poor, he discovers crime and corruption rather kindness, and struggles to survive until he is taken under the wing of a street-savvy girl named Kit. When the two friends are invited to live at the Gabriel H. Penn Home for Childhood, they jump at the chance. At first, it seems that they have found an ideal haven—the estate is lovely, the food plentiful, and the activities inviting—but Devin soon realizes that terrible secrets lurk beneath the orphanage’s flawless veneer. Tania Unsworth’s nail-biter builds slowly and satisfyingly to its shiver-inducing finale. The protagonist’s synesthesia—an amalgamation of the senses that allows him to “hear” colors or “feel” the stars—adds an enticingly lyrical quality to a well-written narrative replete with sinister happenings, stomach-churning suspense, and heart-lifting hope.
After blacking out in a Target parking lot, Charley, 17, awakens to find herself in an unfamiliar field of rust-colored rocks, naked and alone. Twelve days of anxious hand-to-mouth existence later, she meets a group of fellow castaways and finally gets some answers. A mysterious portal has transported her to the island of Nil (Holt, 2014; Gr 9 Up) and she has 365 days to catch a gate home (e.g., dive into one of the shimmering doorways that appear unexpectedly and quickly vanish)—or she dies. Led by the irresistible Thad, the island’s inhabitants—teens similarly plucked from across the globe—have established a community that allows them to share skills and work together to eke out the most comfortable life possible, as well as a carefully strategized system that provides longest-termers with the best shot at escape. Dangers abound, be it gate-transported animal predators, teens gone renegade, or the malicious machinations of Nil itself (the island takes on the role of capricious femme fatale—dazzling yet deadly), but Charley and Thad are determined to persevere and get home. That is until they fall head-over-heels in love, and their desire to save each other begins to trump the need for self-preservation. Told from alternating viewpoints, Lynne Matson’s unique survival story features compelling characterizations and relationships, an intriguing teen-generated society, and an ever-ticking clock.
Mutants among us
It’s 2034, and a vaccine hastily developed and administered to counter a deadly plague has resulted in unforeseen side effects: .003% of those inoculated have developed astounding “immunities,” superhuman abilities such as telepathy, perfect memory, or levitation. Confusion, chaos, and warfare ensued as powerful entities—lawful and illicit—utilized any means possible to identify enhanced individuals and conscript them to their cause. Ciere Giba, 17, an Illusive (Little, Brown, 2014; Gr 7 Up) with the ability to create visual illusions that seem to alter her appearance and/or her surroundings, has been on her own and on the run for years. Resolved to avoid forced recruitment by the federal government, she has opted for fiercely guarded freedom 
and a life of low-level crime. When a heist goes wrong, Ciere becomes entrapped in a scheme that has her recklessly pursuing the biggest job ever—appropriating the formula for the Praevenir vaccine allegedly destroyed years ago—while heatedly pursued by mobsters, feds, and other deadly foes. The narrative shifts between Ciere and her MIA friend Daniel Burkhart, an eludere (heightened senses) who has been apprehended by the FBI. False starts, ill-advised decisions, and slow-to-unfold secrets embellish brilliantly plotted twists and turns, making it difficult to know just whom to trust. Touching upon themes of prejudice, self-acceptance, and morality, Emily Lloyd-Jones’s thriller is fresh, thought-provoking, and addictively readable.
When a Stranger (Viking, Nov. 2014; Gr 7 Up) arrives toting a mysterious book and a passel of secrets, the townsfolk of Las Anclas—a sized-down, walled-round, postapocalyptic version of Los Angeles—don’t know what to think. Ross Juarez, a prospector who searches out valuable artifacts, has narrowly avoided capture by a pernicious potentate named Voske, who wants to own the ancient tome. Though residents argue about whether or not this reticent newcomer is a danger, he’s the first boy to ever catch the eye of the sweet but socially stunted Mia Lee, the town’s newly appointed engineer/mechanic. Meanwhile, Ross becomes the third side of a love triangle when he is paired with Mia’s best friend, Jennie Riley, for warrior training and schooling. Alternating chapters present the perspectives of these 
three teens and several others, as Ross gradually proves himself trustworthy and reveals his past. Rachel Manija Brown and Sherwood Smith fabricate a world forever altered by the fallout from a solar storm, where technology has gone dark, singing trees fell living victims with deadly crystals shards, and “Changed” humans (with powers ranging from impressive super strength to the amusingly useless ability to stir up dust devils) and “Norms” lead an uneasy—often intolerant—coexistence. However, everyone must unite when Voske and his army arrive to conquer the town. Laced with delightfully unique and diverse characters and Wild West panache, this page-turner packs in plenty of action, humor, and sweet romance.
Publication Information
BROWN, Rachel Manija & Sherwood Smith. Stranger. Viking. Nov. 2014. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780670014804; ebook $10.99. ISBN 9781101615393.
FAMA, Elizabeth. Plus One. Farrar. 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-374-36007-8; ebook $9.99. ISBN 9780374360085.
LOWRY, Lois. The Giver. Movie Tie-In ed. Houghton Mifflin. 2014. pap. $9.99. ISBN 9780544340688.
MATSON, Lynne. Nil. Holt. 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780805097719; ebook. $9.99. ISBN 9780805097726.
SWAIN, H. A. Hungry. Feiwel and Friends. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781250-028297; ebook $9.99. ISBN 9781250061843.
UNSWORTH, Tania. The One Safe Place. Algonquin. 2014. Tr $15.95. ISBN 9781616203290; ebook $15.95. ISBN 9781616204044.
WILKINSON, Kerry. Reckoning. St. Martin’s Griffin. 2014. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781250053534; ebook $9.99. ISBN 9781466838543.
See also: The Long-Anticipated Film of Lois Lowry’s The Giver | Movie Review