Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thoughtful dystopian tale questions winning at all costs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 37 kid reviews
Kids say this book is a gripping and thought-provoking take on dystopian themes, highlighting strong moral lessons and the importance of trust in relationships despite its graphic depictions of violence and death. Readers also appreciate the compelling character of the main female protagonist, although some find the violence and similarities to other popular series somewhat excessive.
- strong moral lessons
- graphic violence
- compelling protagonist
- dystopian themes
- trust issues
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Seventeen-year-old Cia Vale has always dreamed of leaving her family at the Five Lakes Colony and going on to university. First, though, she must pass The Testing, a brutal series of examinations that push applicants to their physical, intellectual, and emotional extremes. Before she leaves, her father tells her to trust no one, but does that include Tomas, the handsome, sensitive classmate who seems almost too good to be true?
Is It Any Good?
Although it at first seems like The Hunger Games Lite, THE TESTING proves to have some original thinking behind it. As Cia and Tomas struggle to master the various assignments that will ensure them a college education and a rewarding career (provided they aren't killed first), the novel grows in complexity and develops suspenseful momentum. The book questions the notion of winning at all costs, and those who fail The Testing are treated by Cia as unique individuals who deserve compassion. The saga is clearly only beginning at the end of this volume, but readers will be ready to sign up for the next installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about dystopian novels. Why are they so popular? How does The Testing compare with other dystopian books you've read?
Does society force teenagers to compete against one and another? When is competition desirable, and how can it be abused?
Do you think that the government ever secretly records the private conversations of its citizens? What reasons might they give for doing so?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
- Publication date : June 4, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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