DYSTOPIA "an imaginary place where people lead dehumanized and often fearful lives" (Merriam-Webster online dictionary). Or (as I have seen defined elsewhere) a world where "things are as bad as it can get".
I went to the first gathering (meeting sounds much too formal) of a new bookchat group for librarians and teachers on Wednesday evening. The aim is to talk children and young adult books, from picture books to faction to non-fiction. And by pure coincidence, most of the fiction bought along to the first meeting concentrated on one of the most popular themes that we see currently - the dystopian future. So when I was looking for a subject for the blog today, this seemed like a great place to stop. Here are five of the titles we discussed.
Resurrection – Mandy Hagar (Book 3 of Blood of the Lamb series). The characters escape the island and make the return journey to where it all started. I haven't read this book yet but have read the first two in the series and thoroughly enjoyed them. Maria told us that there is a powerful message of standing up for yourself and making a change.
Water Wars – Cameron Stracher. This book is brand new on the shelf and immediately stands out because of it's fantastic cover (don't get librarians and teachers started on the absolutely necessity for a good cover to attract children and teens to a book). Water is more precious than gold. So what does that mean when you find a previously unknown water source. Lisa found this had an easy style and wasn't too too hard. Teen fiction.
X-Isle – Steven Augarde. A gripping Dystopian story for teens. but very heavy content and Lorraine questioned it’s classification as children’s fiction (Anne & Lisa to investigate). Gripping for teens
The Book Thief - Markus Zusak. Powerful. Different point of view. Quite demanding so more recommended for advanced teen readers, possibly with some background knowledge.
Fierce September - Fleur Beale. The sequel to Juno of Taris and shortlisted for the 2011 NZ Post Children's Book Awards.
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