Dove Arising

Gr 7 Up—Set on the Moon in the not-so-distant future, this series opener follows an introverted teenager who has spent her life working hard and obeying the rules of the Committee, the governing body of the Moon. Water has been scarce and money is tight, but Phaet and her mother always find a way to provide for her little brother and sister since Phaet's father's death nine years earlier. When the teen's mother is quarantined, however, it is up to her to find a way to keep her family out of the filthy, poverty-stricken district known as "Shelter." Though it means deferring her dream of studying to become a scientist, the protagonist decides to join the Moon's Militia. If she can finish her training at the top of her class, she will become the youngest Militia Captain in history. Competition is fierce, and Phaet will need to work harder than ever before and learn everything she can from the top trainee, a quiet boy named Wes, who often seems more machine than human. Perceptive readers will recognize a burgeoning romance between the pair. Characters are well developed, especially strong-willed Phaet, and an even pace will keep teens turning pages. Fans of Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game (Tor, 1985), Veronica Roth's Divergent (HarperCollins, 2011) and Marie Lu's Legend (Putnam, 2011) should flock to this well-written debut effort by 19-year-old Bao.—Liz Overberg, Darlington School, Rome, GA