Teens' Top Ten Nominees, Part III: Dystopian SF

Ah, dystopian science fiction. The ultimate feel-good literature.

Sometimes, things just aren’t going to go your way. There will be pop quizzes. Dad will not let you have the car on Friday. Your favorite shirt will be irrevocably stained.

But at least you’re not living under the oppressive rule of a totalitarian government.

There, now. Feel better?

Anyway, these YA titles from the Teens' Top Ten nominees are great examples of dystopian SF. Don't let the "YA" classification fool you, though: these books are full of death and despair and are not for sissies.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
The conclusion to the gripping Hunger Games series does not disappoint. Katniss Everdeen survived the deadly Hunger Games twice, but her trials aren’t over yet and the stakes are about to get much higher. The rebels of District 13 believe Katniss is the perfect figurehead for their war against the Capitol, a war which would risk everyone Katniss cares for. If you haven’t read Hunger Games yet, now is the time.

Drought by Pam Bachorz
Ruby and her people, the Congregation, have been slaves for two hundred years, forced daily to perform the hard labor of harvesting life-giving Water for the evil Darwin West and his cruel Overseers. When Ford, a new Overseer, falls in love with Ruby, Ruby begins to consider escape. There’s just one problem: the secret ingredient that gives the Water the power of life is Ruby’s blood.

Matched by Ally Condie
In Cassia’s world, the Society chooses everything for you: your job, your mate, the date of your death. Cassia has always trusted their choices, but at the ceremony where Cassia’s chosen mate will be revealed, a glitch causes two faces to appear on the computer screen. Now Cassia is faced with a choice between the life she’s always known and a life where she chooses her own destiny.

Lies by Michael Grant
In the first book of the Gone series, every resident of Perdido Beach who is fifteen or older disappears in one night. The remaining population is trapped in the town by a mysterious barrier. From there, the series is like Lord of the Flies, only the characters have super powers. By Lies, the third book, Sam and his friends struggle to survive food shortages, old enemies resurface, and a fire on the beach quickly threatens to overtake the whole town. These books are huge, with two billion characters and plot twists, so it’s probably best to start with the first book.

Look for these titles at the library. Coming next week: humor.