Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Science Fiction: The Sky Inside


It's rare to find well written science fiction books for kids or younger teens. Somehow, this genre is largely ignored by children's authors, which is a shame!
The Sky Inside, by Clare Dunkle, is an appealing new read for kids that are interested in futuristic novels. Martin is one of the older kids in suburb HM1. Like everyone else, his parents scrimped and saved up enough credits to qualify for a child; Martin was shipped out to them on the train, like all the other babies. They could barely afford to get his sister, Cassie, because she was one of the new super babies: genetically engineered to be the smartest, cutest, nicest kids ever.
Everything is perpetually stable and sunny under the blue dome of their suburb. They all gather in front of their TV every morning to vote on the president's latest intiative (for example, what colour his drapes should be) and then they all head off to jobs, or school. But Martin can't believe that that's all there is: it feels like there should be something more. Something bigger than his suburb. He starts poking around, and discovers some truly disturbing things about his so-called idyllic home.
When an outsider from the government arrives to take the superbabies away, Martin is torn. He wants Cassie to have a great education, and it's true that she's obviously not getting as much teaching as she needs from the ordinary people in HM1, but can he trust the government to take care of his beloved sister?
When Martin uncovers the government's horrible plan, there's only one way to save Cassie: break out of the Dome, and brave the wasteland that lies outside.
Science Fiction
Ages 10-13
Click here to check out the Port Moody Public Library's catalogue!

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