by David Patneaude follows Kellen. In Kellen's world men are rare having almost all died out in a mass epidemic years earlier. The epidemic occurred after the Men in charge had almost ended the world with constant conflicts and environmental ruin. Women took control of the world and things are peaceful and the environment has started to repair itself. However, things are not as perfect as they seem. The new government is controlling and limits procreation and the activities of men. The story starts with the author allowing the reader to explore Kellen's world. Then we find out that there is a planned outbreak in the area where Kellen's father lives. The characters have to figure out the mystery of the outbreak (which is clearly shown for the reader) and then must save Kellen's father. There is a nice twist at the end and some action. The author paints both men and women as capable of major evil and makes the reader think about what sacrifices would be acceptable to have in order to have a more peaceful world.
I enjoyed this book and could not put it down, I would recommend it to readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic novels such as Life As We Knew It who don't require a lot of action or romance.
Appropriateness: There is nothing in the book that would irritate parents. No sex or drug use and no graphic violence. This is one of those rare books that boys will like as much as girls. It does have a touch of romance but not enough to turn boys off, it has a strong female main character and there is some action and a frenzied pace at the end of the book to keep the reader interested. The author did a good job of presenting both men and women as equally evil so this book doesn't end up being a male hating or a woman hating book. The lexile is 720 putting it around a fourth grade level and making this a great book for reluctant or struggling middle school readers.
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