The Unwanteds

Now that he is 13, Alexander Stowe must accept his fate. He has known for years that he will be purged, but now it is reality. In Quill, you are Wanted, Necessary, or Unwanted. Alex's twin brother Aaron is Wanted; his parents are Necessary; he is Unwanted. All because he drew a picture in the sand.

When he and the other teens purged this year arrive at the Death Farm they are shocked at how they are living. The people here are happy. Artime is a magical place. Literally. The kids go to school to discover their magic – music, acting, art. Headmaster Mr. Today is using magic to create an ever-expanding institution without taking up anymore physical space. Alex loves it here, but he misses Aaron terribly. He also knows that if the secret of Artime is revealed, it could be the end for them all.

Parent Perspective:
I couldn't stop reading. I stayed up later than I should have for several nights because the story and the characters are compelling. There is plenty of action, but what kept me going was the way the author set up the characters. I would judge one, only to go to Mr. Today's office down the hall and discover that I had misjudged him/her.

Lots of action, realistic characters, and some surprises will engage readers who love to read and those who aren't big readers, too.

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