Common Sense Media Review
By Julie A. Carlson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Entertaining futuristic take on reality TV dating shows.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 22 parent reviews
Parents say this book is generally well-received for its engaging story and strong character development, particularly the role model of the main character, America, who demonstrates perseverance and selflessness. While many reviewers highlight the book's suitability for younger readers due to its mild content, they caution that some themes may be more appropriate for older teens, noting occasional references to romance and the complexities of relationships.
- strong character development
- appropriate for younger readers
- mild romance
- strong female role model
- engaging story
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 249 kid reviews
Kids say this book is an engaging and entertaining read, praised for its captivating plot and memorable characters despite some mixed feelings regarding its writing quality. Many enjoyed the light romance, intriguing love triangle, and dystopian elements, although some felt the main character was frustrating at times and that there were moments of excessive sexual tension for younger readers.
- engaging plot
- memorable characters
- light romance
- mixed quality
- frustrating protagonist
- inappropriate for younger
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
A hundred years in the future, in the country of Illea (the former United States), girls between the ages of 16 and 20 are chosen through a selection process to marry Prince Maxon Schreave, who's coming of age. The participants are housed at the royal palace and showcased on a TV program. \"The Selection\" is held so princes can marry \"women of the people to keep up the morale of our sometimes-volatile nation.\" Despite loving another boy outside her caste, America Singer enters the competition and is selected to be one of the participants. She soon discovers that Prince Maxon isn't unlikable and snotty, as she assumed him to be, but rather an honorable young man with good intentions.
Is It Any Good?
Filled with romance and political intrigue, the book is weak in its creation of a dystopian world, but the story's strength lies with protagonist America and her relationships. Throughout the novel, America discovers that she might be fit for the crown, and so does Maxon, who's looking more for an ally and friend than a trophy wife.
That said, while Maxon is charismatic, his characterization often feels wooden and unrealistic. The romance between America and Aspen is more believable. America must decide which of the two boys really has her best interest at heart, and it's a tough decision.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the popularity of dystopian novels, reality dating shows, and why teens and young women are drawn to them. Why do shows like The Bachelor tend to focus on sex, scandal, and fighting among the contestants? Are these shows unhealthy? Do they degrade women and men?
What messages does the book send about arranged marriages, especially at such a young age?
America's mother is adamant that she enter "The Selection." What do you think about parents who want to live through their children? Or who choose their child's destiny for the good of the family?
Why are so many YA books, like The Hunger Games, optioned for television and movies? Does it make you more or less interested in reading the book if you know there's another media tie-in?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperTeen
- Publication date : April 24, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 17
- Number of pages : 336
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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