Uglies by Scott Westerfeld Date of Publication: 2005 ISBN: 978-0689865381 Number of Pages: 488

REQUIRED READING ABILITY: Intermediate: average
GENRES: Science Fiction/Adventure
THEMES : Good versus Evil - Life versus Death - Sacrifice and Redemption- Family- Prejudice – Loyalty - Coming of Age – Survival - Isolation

SUMMARY:
In a world where a mandatory operation transforms everyone 16 years of age to a national standard of beauty, Tally Youngblood can’t wait until she turns 16 and becomes a “Pretty!” Tally’s best friend, Peris, has an earlier birthday and undergoes the operation first, leaving Tally to look longing for her own entry into New Pretty Town. Unfortunately, Tally isn’t permitted to cross into New Pretty Town since she is still an Ugly.

Tally is a smart girl who often finds herself in daring situations. It is only when she meets Shay, another Ugly with a late birthday, that she begins to realize that being a Pretty isn’t all it appears to be. Shay takes Tally away and tempts her to defy her future as a Pretty. Tally refuses to go...but then she is captured and threatened. Her only hope is to agree to accompany Shay to the haven of the rebels, The Smoke, in order to lead the government to their hideout. When Tally gets to The Smoke, however, she realizes that choices are never easy...and sometimes you have to stand up for what’s right, even when the result isn’t pretty...

WHO WOULD LOVE THIS BOOK? A kid who...
- is into fashion, beauty, and pop culture
- likes science fiction
- thinks appearance is highly overrated

This book is recommended for students in grades 7 and 8 only (Young Adult).

WHAT ELSE?
This is an interesting commentary on civilization and government, as well as superficiality and the value society places on appearances. It is the first book in the trilogy, and is followed by Pretties and Specials.

RELATED LINK:
You can learn more about the author on his website, www.scottwesterfeld.com , or in the online interview found at www.locusmag.com/2006/Issues/05Westerfeld.html .