Wednesday, June 23, 2010

A Book Review: Specials

Title: Specials
Author: Scott Westerfeld
Genre: Dystopian (YA)
Length: 372

Quality Rating: 8
Content Rating: PG

In this sequel to Pretties, Tally is a special, a member of the elite group that keeps things under control in a city of bubbleheaded pretties. Though Tally loves her new life and its "iciness" she can't let go of Zane, the boy she loves. She wants him to be special too, and that desire sends her on a mission that accidentally changes the world. This book is the best in the series so far. It takes us deep into this dystopian culture and leads us to question what is the "right" path for the future. It leaves the reader with something to think about.

I debated giving this a PG-13 rating. There is some violence, war, and personal loss. But I don't think it isn't anything an upper elementary schooler couldn't handle. At least, its certainly something I could have handled in the fourth or fifth grade - which is about the time I read The Thrawn Trilogy by Timothy Zahn. What pushed me over the edge for choosing PG was remember that PG does indeed mean "parental guidance." So, as parents, just be aware that there is some violence, war, and personal loss in this book. OK? Good. Now let your kids read it. :)

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