The Ones We're Meant to Find
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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 The Ones We're Meant to Find is a dystopian science fiction novel that follows two sisters as they struggle to reunite in a world of climate catastrophe. Joan He, author of Descendant of a Crane, presents a puzzle of a book. Frequent strong language includes "s--t," "a--hole," "hell," "damn," and "f--k." Love interest Hero attempts to kill Kay on at least three occasions, and there are representations of suicide, terminal illness, and homicide, as well as natural catastrophe. Hero and Kay make love two or three times, with descriptions of intimacy that might make some readers uncomfortable. Alcohol is served to teens at a party.
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What's the Story?
As THE ONES WE'RE MEANT TO FIND opens, Cee finds herself in the water bordering a desert isle, having sleepwalked there. She has few memories of her life to this point, mainly that she's been alone for three years, and must get off the island and be reunited with her older sister. Meanwhile, celebrity/felon Kasey (Kay) Mizuhara makes her way through the few habitable spaces left on the planet, wondering where her sister has disappeared to. Neither girl can guess the truth, and their secrets have literally global impacts, as the world is plagued by upheaval.
Is It Any Good?
Too many puzzles and a book become confusing, but this clever sci-fi psychological thriller keeps readers off-balance yet still engaged. In The Ones We're Meant to Find, Joan He alternates points of view between sisters Cee and Kay, giving both characters room to reveal their individual personalities and setting them up for a big mid-book plot turn. The book has been likened to Studio Ghibli crossed with Black Mirror, and the author's world-building skills are formidable. The novel explores the many facets of sisterhood with sensitivity, humor, and compassion. Thrilling and urgent, the novel seems to be a stand-alone, which is always nice. Readers should expect to be surprised, amused, and thrilled. He's second YA novel is a worthy addition to the post-apocalyptic genre.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Ones We're Meant to Find portrays climate change. What sorts of catastrophe might occur with continuing rising temperatures?
Why are memories important to mental health? How are memory and identity connected? Who would you be without your memories?
How do governments make big decisions for their citizens? Is it better if they keep some information secret?
Book Details
- Author: Joan He
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Topics: Great Girl Role Models, Robots
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date: May 4, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 13 - 18
- Number of pages: 384
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: August 2, 2021
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