Friday, February 17, 2012

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons -ADVISABLE

Simmons, Kristen Article 5, 368 pgs. Tor Teen, 2012. $12.23. (Language-PG -Swear Count: 0, Violence-PG13; Sexual Content-PG13.)
The United States has changed. War has taken its toll, new laws called the Moral Statues, and martial law guides the government. Citizen must comply, they have no rights. Ember is a teenage girl who remembers better times but is living pretty good in the current time, along with her mom. When both she and her mom get arrested on moral charges, Ember gets nervous. When she discovers she is being arrested by her big crush, she gets scared. Ember strives to get her life back, and wonders if the guy she loved is really gone, replaced by a soldier.
I think these apocalyptical books are pretty intriguing. With the real life threats of war, nuclear bombs, and financial meltdowns –these types of books fulfill a needed niche. They function as outlets for what people today are worried about, allowing them explore some scary possibilities – from a safe perspective. There is also, some exploration on how people grow and change based on their life experiences. It was fast paced and interesting, and I think teens will enjoy it. While there was some threatening sexual content, nothing is spelled out explicitly.
HS – ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.



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