February 10, 2014
In her first book for children, Unsworth takes readers inside the sinister and secretive world of the Gabriel H. Penn Home for Childhood—a refuge for specially chosen orphans in a bleak, scorching, and none-too-distant future. Devin has spent his young life on a secluded farm, “a pocket of richness” in an otherwise dry wasteland, with his grandfather. After his grandfather dies, Devin leaves for the city in order to survive. There he meets Kit—a girl with a dark past and quick, thieving hands—and Roman, who lures them both to the Home. With a photographic mind and heightened senses, Devin immediately suspects foul play at the Home, despite its extravagance and the too-good-to-be-true amenities it has to offer. Unsworth unravels the story with skilled deliberation, creating a page-turning mix of suspense, intrigue, and anxiety. The kids are genuine and quirky, just the right kind of mismatched misfits to snag readers’ hearts. This is a wholly enjoyable journey, and a dystopian vision with some great new twists. Ages 10–up. Agent: Rebecca Carter, Janklow & Nesbit.
July 1, 2014
Gr 7 Up-When Devin's dad dies, he sets out on a journey to the city to find a farm hand. Instead, he finds lots of children living alone on the streets. The children dream of a home called the Gabriel H. Penn Home for Childhood, where the luckiest go. Through a true act of kindness, Devin is invited to the coveted home. But the home has hidden problems, a strange illness, and a secret horrific mission. Can Devin escape? Mark Turetsky's voice is dulcet and haunting in its narration. The quirky characters can be a little difficult to tell apart, but Turetsky's unique narrative style and intonations help to bring them to life. The story is slow to start, but soon listeners will be entranced. Listeners who liked Lois Lowry's The Giver and fans of dystopian fiction will enjoy listening to this audiobook.-Jessica Moody, Olympus Jr. High, Holladay, UT
Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.