A Girl Called Fearless

Gr 9 Up—Los Angeles, just a bit in the future, is a distressing place for females. Most adult women have died from side effects of hormone-laden beef, and the Paternalists may soon win political majority, passing even harsher "protective" measures to encourage child bearing and domesticity. Avie Reveare and her friends at Masterson Academy have become experts at eye blinks, bribes, stitch code, and other creative means to avoid security detection as they practice independence under the direction of their teacher, Ms. A. Meanwhile, they see college recruitment posters replaced by recipe cards, and discuss who might be sold into a marriage contract, and at what price. The best girls are auctioned through Sotheby's and Christie's—verified virgins who will honor and obey. Avie, aided by her childhood friend (now romantic interest) Yates, decides to head for Canada when her financially desperate father contracts her to a man twice her age. All the popular dystopian elements are in place: overbearing government, tech-savvy friend, thwarted love, a "makeover" where plain girls are made attractive to men, physically challenging situations, and small amounts of gun play. The short chapters keep the action moving in this solid selection, best for readers who enjoy plot-driven stories.—Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX