Unwind by Neal Shusterman

Shusterman, N. (2007). Unwind. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Summary:

There is war going on against pro-choice and pro-life armies. There can be no winners, but a compromise is accomplished. Abortion has been outlawed, but there is a place for all kids.  If after they reach the age of 13 the children are still unwanted they are given to the government where their body parts are donated to others who need them. They are now called “unwound”. Kids ages 13-18 are at risk. There are 3 teenagers who can try to escape that fate. The find themselves in an underground railroad, a safe place until they turn 18. Eventually they are saved from the horrifying fate of becoming unwound. They begin fighting for the rights of others and demand change in their society.

Strengths/Textbook:

The author uses current political issues to create a science fiction work of art. He offers a solution to how we can stop fighting each other and comes up with a compromise, although this compromise is not really a solution. We see how morals plays a big part in the story, when the teenagers decide to save other unwinds from the horrific fate.

Awards:

ALA Best Books For Young Adults

 ALA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults (Top Ten)

 ALA Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

 Abraham Lincoln Book Award Master List (IL)

 Bank Street Best Books of the Year

 Beehive Award Master List (UT)

 Black Eyed Susan Book Award Master List (MD)

 California Young Reader Medal Nominee

 Evergreen Book Award Master List (WA)

 Garden State Children's Book Award Nominee (NJ)

 Gateway Readers Award Nominee (MO)

 Georgia Peach Book Award Master List

 Grand Canyon Reader Award Nominee (AZ)

 Green Mountain Book Award

 Iowa Teen Award

 Isinglass Teen Read List Selection

 Kentucky Bluegrass Award Master List

 NYPL Best Books for Teens

 Nevada Young Reader's Award Nominee

 Nevada Young Readers' Award

 Nutmeg Children's Book Award (CT)

 Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award Nominee

 Rhode Island Teen Book Award Nominee

 Sequoyah Children's Book Award (OK)

 Texas Lone Star Reading List

 Texas Tayshas High School Reading List

 Virginia Readers’ Choice Award Master List

 Young Adult Reading Program Reading List Selection (SD

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