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Dove Arising
Common Sense says
- Karen Bao
- Science Fiction
- 2015
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Dove Arising features intense scenes of military training on the moon. Phaet Theta and the other Militia enlistees are subjected to grueling exercises as they learn hand-to-hand combat and use lasers and knives as weapons, sometimes with deadly consequences. Phaet uses a stun gun to shoot an unarmed thief but feels bad about it later. A character is executed by a laser beam, and a young girl is killed during a protest. Phaet is attracted to Wes, but they have no time for romance. "Damn" is used a few times, "God damn" once.
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What's the story?
Barely speaking after her father is killed in an accident, 15-year-old Phaet Theta works in a greenhouse on the moon, enjoys her friendship with Umbriel, and tries to keep a low profile from the authorities. But when her journalist mother is taken away for allegedly writing seditious works, Phaet must join the Militia to protect her siblings and have any hope of freeing her mother. Despite grueling odds, she pushes herself to succeed. But all Phaet's efforts could be for naught if she can't conquer her fears while remaining empathetic and humane.
Is it any good?
DOVE ARISING author Karen Bao keeps the plot moving smoothly, delivering action-packed scenes while steadily upping the stakes. The story moves its "teen rebel" tale to the moon, following reluctant enlistee Phaet Theta as she tries to save her family from disgrace and starvation by succeeding against the odds in the Militia.
The lunar setting is credibly depicted, and Bao populates the cast with multidimensional characters. The concluding chapters offer plenty of surprises, and the cliffhanger ending will leave readers primed for the next installment.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about what it might be like to live in a militaristic police state. What do you think it would be like to live in a society where citizens are ruled by a mysterious "Committee"?
How does Dove Rising compare with other stories of teen rebels. How is this one different from others you've read? How is it similar?
What kinds of challenges do the children of incarcerated parents face? How would having a parent in jail affect your family?
Book details
- Author: Karen Bao
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts, Brothers and Sisters, Misfits and Underdogs
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: viki
- Publication date: February 24, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 17
- Number of pages: 336
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.