You'll Like It Here (Everybody Does)

You'll Like It Here (Everybody Does) by Ruth White follows David and Maggie Blue Aliens who get chased off earth after being found out by the locals.  The family ends up in a strange place called Fashion City.  When they enter the city they are immediately recognized as outsiders and welcomed to the city where they are given housing, jobs, schooling and money (gifts from the fathers).  Although things appear strange and unsettling from the start they soon realize that this is a society that demands conformity and compliance and punishes individuality. 

This is a very good dystopian for the middle grade audience.  I couldn't help but think that this is what Panem (the land of The Hunger Games) was like before they rebelled against the capital.  Everything is controlled and those who rebel are taken away to be reprogrammed.  The televisions play happy programs and everyone thanks the "fathers" for everything.  The two main characters are inquisitive and interesting.  The society is creepy without being scary and will make kids think about the importance of freedom and individuality.       

Appropriateness:  There is no adult content in this book and while the book is very creepy it's not scary and there is no violence.  There is a hint of a crush but no real romance.  I would recommend this book to readers aged 10-14 who are fans of science fiction or dystopia.