September Pick: The Unwanteds

Title: Unwanteds
Author: Lisa McMann
Year Published: 2011 
When Alex finds out he is Unwanted, he expects to die. That is the way of the people of Quill. Each year, all the thirteen-year-olds are labeled as Wanted, Necessary, or Unwanted. Wanteds get more schooling and train to join the Quillitary. Necessaries keep the farms running. Unwanteds are set for elimination.
It’s hard for Alex to leave behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted, but he makes peace with his fate—until he discovers that instead of a “death farm,” what awaits him is a magical place called ArtimÉ. There, Alex and his fellow Unwanteds are encouraged to cultivate their creative abilities and use them magically. Everything Alex has ever known changes before his eyes, and it’s a wondrous transformation.
But it’s a rare, unique occurrence for twins to be divided between Wanted and Unwanted, and as Alex and Aaron’s bond stretches across their separation, a threat arises for the survival of ArtimÉ that will pit brother against brother in an ultimate magical battle.


 Why?: I had picked a book for this month, but have been distracted by A Clash of Kings. I saw this book at Target and spontaneously bought it. Ashley recently read the Wake series (spoiler alert), so she is familiar with the author. 


Expectations: This is a middle grade book, so I expect it to not take a very long time. The cover quote puts high expectations on it, but most books nowadays are merely mock-ups of past crazes. I expect a creative, fun story. 


Judging a book by its cover: I picked this book up because of its cover, so I guess that shows I like it. It is intriguing. I like the paper dragons and the Nittany Lion with wings. 


Maybe Ashley will post all the blogs she hasn't since she has read SO MUCH lately. 

-PAUL