“The Unwanteds” by Lisa McMann

A student in my bookclub suggested this one and I couldn’t have been happier.  Advertised as “The Hunger Games Meets Harry Potter” it is a nice little book which echoes Harry Potter (and Percy Jackson) but not so much the death and depression found in “Hunger Games.”  It’s more like “Matched,” “The Giver” and other dystopian worlds which look clean and shiny on the outside and are corrupt and morally bankrupt on the inside.  SPOILER ALERT.  You only spend about five minutes in that ugly world, though, with much of the story focused on a world of magic, color and freedom.  The characterizations are great.  Alex, our lead, is a very typical young boy (having just turned 13).  He is creative, curious, outgoing, moody, shy, angry, thoughtful, and everything in-between.  His companions include a kid he doesn’t get along with, and this creates a nice tension as the two boys try to redefine themselves in their new setting.  Creativity is also present in the blending of human and animal, household objects and war weapons.  Somehow, you just gotta love an Art teacher with eight arms (I won’t say more for fear of spoiling it).  One librarian mentioned her concern about this book being placed in the “kids” section.  Never fear.  It is as G-rated as it is delightful.  And yes, like many teen novels these days, it hints at a sequel, but fortunately wraps things up so nicely it could also be a stand-alone.  (UPDATE:  Yeah, it’s a series – book 2 is out, book 3 is coming).  The writing is consistent, solid and literary, but not overbearing.  Chapters move quickly and chapter headings are both clear and funny.  Artwork and fonts are extremely reminiscent of Harry Potter (intentional, I’m sure) and it is a tale that hits on a real chord for many – being a teen who doesn’t fit in.   In any case, it’s been a while since I was able to tear through a 390 page book so quickly, and it was a complete joy, like Spring on a dark winter day.