Legend, Book 1

This is a post-apocalyptic love story not only between a boy and girl, but also the boy and his family. Themes include the dangers of a corrupt government, and the injustice of the chasm of living conditions between the rich and the poor. The love between the boy, named Day, and his family is incredibly strong. Day nearly sacrifices himself for his family on multiple occasions, and Day’s older brother SPOILER: dies for him in the end. Several things make this book geared for teens, and not children. Torture occurs in several scenes, and is described in detail. Day’s mother is shot in the head right in front of him in a shocking scene, and falls dead in the street. Day and the girl, June, have a romance, which gets a little steamy, although they only kiss and bring their bodies very close. The romance is respectful and appropriate for the circumstances and characters’ age (about 15). Day loves June for her intelligence and skill (and thinks often of her beauty), and they save each others’ lives. Day and June drink alcohol in one scene, but not to excess.

I teach fifth grade and think this is a great book. It's pushing the border for a majority of the fifth graders, but for very mature and stable readers, this is a great book. HOWEVER... the next in the series goes way up in age... I would not want a ten year old reading book 2 without parent permission.