mlottermoser's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting concept, moved quickly, and felt strongly like a short story.
victorien's review against another edition
3.0
It was interesting re-reading this book as an adult, with plans to finish the rest of the series. I credit this book and its sequels to my interest in dystopian fiction when I first read this at 9 or 10 (based on publication date and the fact I bought this at a Scholastic book fair).
It’s a good setup for a series. Luke is likable, and I think relatable for readers around his age. I did have to remind myself often that, yes, the book was written for children; so things being unrealistic in their simplicity, or info dumps being blunt (e.g. a character explaining the government is totalitarian) are directed for a younger audience that do need concepts spelled out.
I think taking a step back, and focusing on the situation, instead of the delivery, helps add a layer of complexity for an adult reader. We’ll never know the truth of the matter for some things, like the facts behind government propaganda, its limitations, etc., because we’re seeing this world through a young boy’s eyes. He’s an unreliable narrator, but he can’t help it. He’s just young.
I loved this series growing up, but I can’t remember past the first two, so I’m looking forward to reading the rest (quick reads for adult me).
It’s a good setup for a series. Luke is likable, and I think relatable for readers around his age. I did have to remind myself often that, yes, the book was written for children; so things being unrealistic in their simplicity, or info dumps being blunt (e.g. a character explaining the government is totalitarian) are directed for a younger audience that do need concepts spelled out.
I think taking a step back, and focusing on the situation, instead of the delivery, helps add a layer of complexity for an adult reader. We’ll never know the truth of the matter for some things, like the facts behind government propaganda, its limitations, etc., because we’re seeing this world through a young boy’s eyes. He’s an unreliable narrator, but he can’t help it. He’s just young.
I loved this series growing up, but I can’t remember past the first two, so I’m looking forward to reading the rest (quick reads for adult me).
cutterina_the_triceratops's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
emrecor's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
hoosgracie's review against another edition
4.0
Luke is a third child, something that is illegal. As such, he remains hidden in the attic of his parents home. Until, one day, he sees a face in a neighboring house that shouldn’t be there.
exodusthekid's review against another edition
5.0
I remember this book from when I was a little younger and I remember how much I loved it!
sagelake's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
krista692's review against another edition
4.0
Read it with my sixth graders and they really enjoyed it. They can't wait to read the next one!
lenajgib's review against another edition
5.0
A good first book to a series of children's novels set in the future in a totalitarian society where third children are forbidden. Luke is a third child and discovers that there are others hidden like himself.
Every time I put the story down the kids at school beg for more and I hear them talking about it every day even when we aren't reading it. It's also the first thing they ask about if they miss a day of school, "What happened in the book?"
Every time I put the story down the kids at school beg for more and I hear them talking about it every day even when we aren't reading it. It's also the first thing they ask about if they miss a day of school, "What happened in the book?"