CCBC booklist are compiled from books we have recommended in various editions of CCBC Choices. Most of these booklists are updated annually. You can also select books from one or more booklists to create a custom list, which can also include additional books from the CCBC-Recommended Book Search.
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Exo
CCBC Review:
Teenage Donovan is a member of the security forces keeping the peace after years of war that followed the invasion of Earth by the Mur zhree. Although the war has ended, an active human resistance remains. “Hardened” with zhree biotechnology as a child, Donovan can activate a protective exoskeleton, but it can’t prevent him being kidnapped by the Sapience resistance when a raid goes awry. When the resistance learns Donovan is the son of the Prime Liaison—his father is the highest ranking human in their district and works closely with zhree leaders—he’s taken to a Sapience hideout as a pawn. Although Donovan has personal issues with his demanding father he’s loyal to the zhree and, especially, his fellow security officers. But the identity of the principal Sapience propaganda writer turns everything upside down: It’s turns out to be his mother, who left when he was six. She couldn’t save Donovan from the Hardening his father volunteered him for and she believes it means Donovan isn’t really human anymore, even as Donovan knows it’s his humanity that makes him feel so conflicted upon seeing her—both hungry for and resistant to her love. A fast-paced, compelling work of science fiction with strong world-building deftly addresses the logistical and emotional complexities of political conflict and change through intriguing characters—human and nonhuman alike. ©2017 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
CCBC Age Recommendation: Age 12 and older
Age Range:
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Format:
Novel
Subjects:
Activism and Resistance
Ethical/Moral Choices
Extraterrestrials
Families
Politics and Political Systems
Propaganda
Science Fiction
Soldiers/Military
Trust
On CCBC Booklist:
Speculative and Science Fiction for Children and Teens
Publisher:
Scholastic Press
Publish Year: 2017
Pages: 384
ISBN: 9780545933438
CCBC Location: Fiction, Lee
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Please send questions or comments about CCBC booklists to ccbcinfo@education.wisc.edu.