Thumped

Gr 9 Up—Science fiction frequently introduces readers to mind-bending scenarios, and Thumped is no exception. In this dystopian sequel to Bumped (HarperCollins, 2011), readers return to New Jersey in 2036. A virus has infected the population, rendering almost everyone over the age of 18 infertile. To ensure an adequate national birthrate, teenagers are encouraged by the government to procreate. Patriotic surrogacy is a lucrative way for high school girls to fund their higher educations, and for some, it's even a path to fame. Melody and Harmony, twins separated at birth but now recently reunited, are both pregnant with twins of their own. As their "double double due date" approaches and their fame skyrockets, they search for a way to use their media platform to address the importance of a young woman's right to choose her own reproductive future—even if it means exposing damaging lies. The well-paced plot and the twins' alternating narratives will keep readers engaged. Although sex and reproduction are frequently discussed, it's never in a graphic manner. A worthwhile read for teens beginning to think about their personal reproductive choices.—Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY