Common Sense Media Review
By Joanna H. Kraus
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Compelling story of teen's struggle against government.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
It's the mid-21st century, and suspected young criminals in the United Kingdom have their memories erased so they can earn a second chance with a new name and adoptive family. Kyla has no idea who she was or what she did, but she's troubled by recurring nightmares that she shouldn't be having -- and she's dangerously curious. Why is she so different from the others who are \"slated\"? If slating is only for criminals, why are people who have done nothing wrong suddenly disappearing? The more fearful she becomes, the more determined she is to fight back. Threaded through the story is her forbidden romance with Ben, another slated, who's willing to risk his life for the truth.
Is It Any Good?
SLATED is compelling to read and provocative to ponder and discuss. Though the conclusion occurs somewhat too abruptly, on the whole this debut is well crafted and full of suspense, a stunning novel of a teen's struggle against government tyranny. Author Teri Terry vividly depicts terrorism from both the government and the secret opposition.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it would be like to be slated. If you woke up one morning and had no idea who you were, how would you attempt to start your life again?
Why are novels and films portraying a dystopian future so popular right now? What others have you read or seen?
Have you ever been trapped in what seemed to be an impossible situation? Were you able to solve it? How?
Are violent methods ever necessary to achieve or maintain a stable society?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Penguin Group
- Publication date : September 21, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : December 4, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
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.
See how we rate