The Death Cure by James Dashner

This is a dystopian fiction book which is a type of science fiction literature that explores social and political structures. These books also include the government controlling one’s life and in this case, Thomas is being controlled by WICKED, an organization that makes kids do things that lets them map out their brain.

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WARNING  WARNING  WARNING  WARNING WARNING WARNING

     IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE FIRST TWO BOOKS,

DO NOT CONTINUE.

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This is the 3rd book to “The Maze Runner” series, and picks up after they go through the Scorch (“The Scorch Trials” 2nd book) and are picked up by WICKED after they find other people. They are taken to headquarters and then are told that only some are immune. Thomas still has a strong hatred for Rat Man and all of WICKED, but when he finds out some important details, he is ready to burst. Throughout the book, he has been faced with many challenges when it comes to friends and the people that he trusts his life with. Thomas is ready to have his life back, and he’s ready to have his friends back too. Will he be able to escape? Or will it be too late, and will WICKED have him in their hands forever? Come to the library to check it out :)

Brianna S. - A-Listers

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

Dystopian novels have been one of the top genres for young adults in the past few years. The Testing, a bone-chilling, action-packed, mischievous novel, just may be one of the most amazing written dystopian books in the business. Cia Vale lives in a version of our Earth that has been destroyed by an extremely devastating event known as The Seven Stages Of War. Obviously, the scare humanity that is still alive needs leaders to rebuild what they once had. In order to become one of those prestigious leaders, the best students of the most recent graduating class are picked as candidates to participate in The Testing. Cia is picked and couldn’t be happier, but on the night of her departure, her father (a former Testing candidate) tells her something that hints at a darker side to the process. Of course, she can trust her childhood friend who’s also been picked for The Testing, Tomas. Their affection for each other seems to grow every day, but Cia must choose. “Love without truth or life without trust.”

Even though it seems that all dystopian YA books nowadays are advertised as something “all fans of the Hunger Games  will love!”, this book is true to it’s claim. It finally grasps the sense of brutality that other books of the genre seem to lack. Overall, the novel is a fantastic read. Make sure to stop by the Harrington Middle School library to pick up a copy. I have no doubt that everyone will love it!

Molly - A-Listers

The Giver by Lois Lowry

  I love this book and highly recommend this to everyone and anyone. It is a fairly easy read and has such a deep meaning and makes you think about life and personal experiences like you never have before. Lois Lowry has never been better with this dystopian novel of the struggles of a boy growing up in a government controlled society. He lives in a world without love, color, and human emotion. The boy discovers The Giver, a man who can make his experiences of life change in every perspective. The Giver believes if humanity is given another chance, they could do better. The words of Lois Lowry jump off the page at you and takes the meaning of art to another level. The poetic thoughts of the characters gives you hope for civilization to improve and the ending has you grasping the last page for more. All though, many people were disappointed by the movie, I really loved it as much as the book and I also recommend that as well.

• Nicki- A-Listers

Best Dystopian Book Ever

I have just recently finished a dystopian The Maze Runner by James Dashner. Imagine, you have no memory of your past and you are in a box and the only direction you are going is up. Then the box opens and you found your surrounded by a group of boys. And surrounding them, is four giant walls (also known as “the maze”).  What I like about this book is how they find out that the maze was just the beginning of something entirely different. If you like books with suspense and action/adventure, come to the Harrington Library and get your copy today.

Nick M.- A-Listers

Dystopian Must Read

Monument 14 is a dystopian novel by Emmy Laybourne. When two school busses crash during a freak hail storm, what will 14 kids do to survive at their town’s super store, Greenway. Some of the kids/teens, are Dean, Alex(Dean’s brother), Astrid, Jake, Brayden, Niko, Josie, Sahalia and several other kids. This is a amazing science fiction book that is filled with lot’s  of action, adventure, and mystery. Will you choose to follow the 14? Or will you be left behind waiting to die?

~Aidan and Cherry

Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne

Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne is a dystopian book that was just so entertaining. I loved how amazing and original the plot was. I couldn’t put the book down, and I know most people say that, but this time it’s really true. Seriously, it is extremely suspenseful and chaotic. With moments of complete disaster and others with nothing but hope, so much is happening every second. There are plot twists and relatable characters. This book should definitely be read by every dystopian fan, as well as anyone else, because it has everything for everyone. It has a lot of romance, adventure, mystery, and science. So go and read this book- you won’t regret it.

BY, ASHLEY P. AND NOREEN A

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

In this futuristic world letumosis ,a deadly plague, spreads quickly among the citizens of New Beijing. Lunars from the moon are ready to strike when the world is at its knees. Cinder; is a sixteen-year-old girl, cyborg, mechanic. She was volunteered as a letumosis cure tester by her evil legal guardian. Kai is the new emperor or New Beijing, ever since his father became victim to letumosis. Kai is having a hard time processing all the new responsibilities as the emperor; such as Lunars coming to earth, citizens rebelling, and mass population decrease.Cinder and Kai have a complex romance, but they keep running into each other. These two take a rollercoaster through love, priorities, and responsibilities.

This book was exhilarating, and keep me wanting to read more. When star crossed lovers meets star wars you will be jumping for joy. The continuous excitement keeps you entertained, and ready for more. Cinder is good for many ages, and entertaining for all reading levels.

Lauren-- A- Listers

Dystopian Fiction-- Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne

We recommend you definitely read Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne! This is an incredible dystopian book. It’s dystopian because it is set in 2024. This book is filled with action, adventure, chaos, suspense, and will always have you on the edge of your seat. The book also has great description, so there are times when you feel as if you are in the story. You can’t put the book down! Once you read the first book you will just be dying to read the other two in the series: Monument 14-Sky On Fire and Monument 14-Savage Drift. Read this amazing book today and you won’t regret it! :)

Book Review By: Lindsay, Aashna, and Kenzie

Absolutely Normal Chaos by Sharon Creech

In the book Absolutely Normal Chaos by Sharon Creech, Mary Lou Finney’s life is turned upside when her dad announces to their family that her cousin is coming to stay for the entire summer. Carl Ray (the cousin) is quite the “catch”. Tall, skinny, pale, white blond hair, with freckles that cover his body, he is lazy, eats a bunch, and barely talks. To top it off, Mary Lou has to clean up after him like his personal servant. So obviously for her it seems like her summer isn’t going to be one of the best. Already having to journal her days on school vacation, Mary Lou is faced with relationship problems and best friend troubles. But, luckily she finds love with the dashing Alex Cheevey.

Matt and Ally

Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick

Drums. Girls. And Dangerous Pie. Three things that don’t sound like they go together at all, right? Well, you’re wrong. In Jordan Sonnenblick’s debut book that has won raves, this heartfelt story will definitely win you over. Steven Alper is thirteen years old, and seems to have a perfectly average life. Although one thing in his life annoys him like no other. His four-year-old brother, Jeffrey. Everyone loves Jeffrey. Even Steven has to admit, Jeffrey is one of the cutest things he has ever laid eyes on. Suddenly, Steven’s world takes a dark turn. When Jeffrey is diagnosed with a very serious illness, Steven must figure out how to do things that he had easily done before, but now seemed harder than anything. Such as playing the drums, dealing with girls, and dangerous pie. You’ll have to read the book in order to find out what that is.

I would recommend this book to everyone. In this book, the main character (who is a boy), has to deal with problems that both genders may deal with. Another thing about this book that makes it a great read is the fact that although the topic of possibly terminal illness is dark, the author doesn’t make the writing to upsetting. The text is still full of humor and is light-hearted. If you’re looking for something that is worth the while reading, this book could certainly be that book.

Battle of the Books 2016

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt

If you liked The Wednesday Wars by: Gary D. Schmidt, then you will absolutely love Okay for Now! In this eventful companion book by Gary D. Schmidt you follow Doug Swieteck as he moves to “stupid” Marysville, New York. Doug’s life is anything but ideal. This book takes place in the 60’s. He is the youngest of three boys, he has an abusive father, and his new school sucks.His oldest brother is stationed in the Vietnam War, and his other brother is accused of robbing the store Doug works for. Going through rough times, he meets Lil Spicer who helps him in school and encourages him to reach his fullest abilities. Doug works as a delivery boy for Lil’s dad. He also encounters Mr. Powell. With help from him, Doug discovers his talent of drawing. He becomes inspired by specific bird paintings in the library. He then learns they are being sold to different places and people so the town can make money. Read about Doug and his adventure to recover all the pages of bird paintings, along with trying to prove his brother’s innocence. 

We thought this book was exhilarating. It is the kind of book you can never put down. This novel is great for both genders. It is very educational since it takes place during a historical event. Overall, this book was well written and worth the read.

Battle of the Books 2016