Divergent

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Should appeal to Hunger Games fans. There's been a spate of dystopias with girl protagonists lately, but this is one of the better ones. There's also a hint of Harry Potter in there, with the five factions being based on your personality and the lifestyle you want to lead. I'm looking forward to the sequel, due out in May 2012. -- Julie @ Nashua PL

Welcome to the future of big-city USA, long after the red, white and blue are just three regular colors. Students are tested to determine their aptitude for one of five clans based on character traits. Testing is difficult, but a formality for most as the student gets to make their final clan decision. Those few whose test results blur into more than one clan are called "divergent" and in big trouble. Readers confront the development of identity, the ethics of privacy and warfare, the psychology behind cliques, bullies, competition and confronting personal fears. The book is generally intense, action oriented, and unsettling. Characters develop rapidly, the villains are quickly identified, while the few romantic interests develop gently and tastefully. The ending is quick, leaving almost enough loose ends for a second book. user:Bqqks Wally Keniston - Oyster River H.S. Library.

A GREAT dystopian novel. I think this book will get teens talking. There are so many topics to discuss (and teach - it would be a great novel to teach). Kelly B. Keene High School, 2/9/12

I thought this book was riveting! It, like //The Hunger Games//, will appeal to teens for a variety of reasons. The futuristic Chicago setting where Lake Michigan is now just a swamp, will satisfy today's dystopia-happy crowd. It moves at a perfect pace and delves into many teen topics....bullies, identity, individuality, coming-of-age, to name a few. I thought it was at least as good as, if not better than, //The Hunger Games//. And, it will appeal to both young women and young men. I, personally, cannot wait for the sequel to come out. Heidi Grant @Nashua North High School

As others have said, this is a riveting book that will appeal to fans of The Hunger Games and other dystopian novels. As a bonus for libraries with limited budgets, the paperback edition is due out soon. The sequel is also due out in May, and I can hardly wait. Nancy Lang, Dunbarton Public Library, 3/2/12

I also believe this will make an excellent choice for the list. Many students suggested it and it should be an easy sell. Additionally, the second book //Insurgent// is due out on May 1st. And yes, this book comes to a somewhat tidy conclusion and can stand on its own. ~ Sharon Flesher-Duffy, Nashua High South

I loved this book and would definitely recommend it for the final list. It will definitely appeal to both boys and girls and luckily the cover isn't girly, so it won't turn boys off. I agree with many of the other comments here! Caitlin Andrews, Bedford Public Library