Materials for ages 12 to 15*
Test by William Sleator
In Ann’s world, your future is determined by the XCAS test. If you pass, a life of luxury and wealth await you; fail, and you are forced to toil until the end of your days. Ann knows there is no way she will pass the test, but strange things start happening. As Ann is drawn deeper into uncovering the truth about the test, she risks exposing secrets that some individuals would prefer stay secret.
Exodus by Julia Bertagna
Cities around the world are underwater, and technology has all but disappeared from Earth. Wing, a small isolated island in the North, is danger of disappearing. Mara, a fifteen-year-old resident of Wing, convinces the people of Wing to trek to New Mungo, a New World sky city. Upon their arrival, however, they find themselves unwelcome, and Mara must risk everything to gain access to the city.
1984 by George Orwell
In Orwell’s last novel, he explores the idea of complete and total governmental control. In Oceania, the fictional world of 1984, the government keeps constant surveillance on people to ensure their complete and total allegiance to the Party. Members of society are under the control of three fascist governments, who use subtle manipulation to control the population.
The Diary of Pelly D by L.J. Adlington
Toni V is working for the demolition crew when he uncovers a faded paper parcel. It turns out to be the diary of a person who calls herself Pelly D. Although on the surface Pelly D. appears to be a spoiled rich girl, Toni feels compelled to continue reading. As he does, he uncovers some clues that point to a horrifying truth- and the suggestion that he “Dig- dig everywhere” to uncover that truth.
The Big Empty by J.B. Stephens
After Strain 7 has wiped out half of the world’s population is gone. The U.S. government quickly becomes a military dictatorship, and evacuates people from the middle of the country to its coasts. Soldiers are stationed in ‘The Big Empty’ in the middle of the country, and ordered to shoot to kill. A handful of teenagers join together in their quest to discover Novo Mundum, a utopian society working to establish a perfect world. The journey is fraught with peril as they traverse the country to gain access Novo Mundum, and some will not make it.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Offred is a handmaid- one of the few women viewed to have value in society. Her sole purpose is to assist in re-populating the earth. Her life is one of posh luxury- she is allowed outside of the Commander’s house once per day to walk to the market, and she is provided with a comfortable room, and regular baths. In order to pass the time, she reminisces about years before, when life was much happier, and she was able to make decisions for herself, and have a husband and child. She soon discovers, however, that she is not the only person feeling deprived and disillusioned, and she finds solace in unexpected places.
The Carbon Diaries 2015 by Saci Loyd
In the Europe of the future, storms plague the continent, causing fuel shortages, blackouts, and massive lootings and riots. Britain volunteers to be a test nation and ration carbon to determine the effects of rationing on global warming. Citizens are provided a small number of carbon credits to use for items such as showers, time to watch television, heating, the use of cars, and running small electronics. Soon, the weather becomes more intense, and Britain is forced to take drastic steps. Laura isn’t sure how her family will survive, let alone her band.
Genesis by Bernard Beckett
In order to gain access to the Academy, Anaximander must first pass the entrance exam. In the course of her studies, however, Anaximander uncovers some startling and unsettling truths about her beloved Republic- truths which cause her to question everything she thought she knew about life, humanity, and salvation.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
In the future, Fireman have been charged with one duty- to protect citizens. However, the form of this protection is rather unusual- Fireman are required to start fires to burn the written words found in books. Guy Montag is one such fireman, who takes particular joy in burning books. One day, however, he removes a book and takes it home on a whim. The changes it sparks in him lead to a perilous journey to escape his fate.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Set in the future, Huxley’s most well-known novel depicts a grim future. Thanks to the World State, there is peace among man, accomplished mostly through soma, a hallucinogenic drug. The novel follows two characters, Bernard and Lenina, as they vacation with savages who live outside of World State. An outsider returns with them, and is horrified and disgusted by the lives of the people in the World State. Unable to cope with the brave new world, the outsider flees. Unfortunately, his escape is short-lived, and he is forced to take drastic steps to escape from the allure of soma and World State.
*These recommendations are given based on themes, vocabulary, and overall tone of the materials presented. However, these ages are simply recommendations, and users must use their discretion in deciding whether materials are age-appropriate or not.