The Unwanteds, Lisa McMann(Gr 4-6)
Aladdin, August 30, 2011. Review copy provided by publisher.
"Every year in Quill, thirteen year olds are sorted into categories: the strong, intelligent Wanteds go to university, and the artistic Unwanteds are sent to their deaths.
Thirteen-year-old Alex tries his hardest to be stoic when his fate is announced as Unwanted, even while leaving behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted. Upon arrival at the destination where he expected to be eliminated, however, Alex discovers a stunning secret—behind the mirage of the "death farm" there is instead a place called Artime.
In Artime, each child is taught to cultivate their creative abilities and learn how to use them magically, weaving spells through paintbrushes and musical instruments. Everything Alex has ever known changes before his eyes, and it's a wondrous transformation.
But it's a rare, unique occurrence for twins to be separated between Wanted and Unwanted, and as Alex and Aaron's bond stretches across their separation, a threat arises for the survival of Artime that will pit brother against brother in an ultimate, magical battle."
This book had some serious hype to live up to. I mean did you read that blurb on the front cover? "The Hunger Games meets Harry Potter," from Kirkus! If you're a librarian or anyone who does collection development/reads a lot of book reviews, you'll know that a positive review from Kirkus is really something to brag about. Then there's that comparison...really?! The Hunger Games AND Harry Potter? That's almost too much to live up to, but The Unwanteds makes a valiant attempt.
Lisa McMann has done something pretty cool in my opinion. She's taken the most popular (right now) genre in Young Adult fiction, dystopia, and made it into something for the middle grade crowd. Quill has all the features of a traditional dystopia - all powerful, corrupt government, total control over the population, and a familiar landscape. I like that the younger brothers and sisters who see their older siblings reading books like The Hunger Games or Divergent now have something more their speed to turn to.
Artime is a little bit like Hogwarts - with all the magic creatures hanging about and a dangerous, magical forest surrounding it. Young readers will love imagining what living in this magical place would be like. My personal favorite part is having a talking blackboard as a message service, especially since they all have their own names and personalities. That would be awesome.
Overall this book was creative, fun, and entertaining. I'll be passing it along to tons of kids at the library. Although, if you ask me, it didn't really live up to the hype, but, really, what would? The Unwanteds is out today, so check out your library or local independent bookstore for a copy - especially if you know a reluctant reader who needs something to shake off the back to school blues.
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