The Compound by S.A. Bodeen stars Eli who has spent several years living with his family in a luxurious bomb shelter after the wold has been attacked by a nuclear bomb. Things initially went well but over time their supplies have been sabotaged and his father's demands of things they need to do to survive get stranger and more disturbing.
This book is terrific, it starts out calmly and slowly becomes more and more twisted. The setting and story are original and Eli's character is one that boys will be able to relate to. I tore through this book unable to put it down.
Appropriateness: This is a book that is perfect for the younger end of the young adult audience and is a book that boys will enjoy. There are a few references to sex but otherwise there is no adult content. It is twisted and disturbing and could easily give a younger kid nightmares. The book has a lexile of 570 putting it at about third grade level making it perfect for reluctant readers. I would recommend this book for 5th-8th graders.
