Children of Exile by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Science-fiction. 304 Pages. 4 Stars
Synopsis:
For the past twelve years, adults called “Freds” have raised Rosi, her younger brother Bobo, and the other children of their town, saying it is too dangerous for them to stay with their parents, but now they are all being sent back. Since Rosi is the oldest, all the younger kids are looking to her with questions she doesn’t have the answers to. She’d always trusted the Freds completely, but now she’s not so sure.
And their home is nothing like she’d expected, like nothing the Freds had prepared them for. Will Rosi and the other kids be able to adjust to their new reality?
My Review:
Well, I didn’t see that coming…Classic, Haddix. She turns your world upside down about three chapters before the end and then leaves you to hang, dying for the next book. Haddix has long been one of my favorite authors. I can’t say this was my favorite of her works, but I did enjoy the read. It’s excellently written, includes a variety of characters that keep you on your toes, and a few strange settings that add to the intrigue of the plot. as I’ve come to expect of Mrs. Haddix, her plot kept me curious and definitely kept me engaged throughout most of the book. As I came to the point where I started putting pieces together (and after she threw the monkey wrench in it that I did notsee coming), I didn’t become less engaged so much as…satisfied at seeing the bigger picture finally. I can’t say I was as impressed with this plot twist as I have been with twists in her previous books, such as Double Identity and The Missing Series, but I don’t think the book or the twist would be any less appealing to its target audience. Though I pride myself on still enjoying children’s fiction, this may have just been a little too outlandish for me at my current age. That said, I totally enjoyed the read and will definitely purchase and read the sequel. I just wouldn’t call it a favorite, that’s all. Quick, easy middle-grade fiction.
My only true qualm with the book was that it feels almost, borderline…like a political statement. There were a select few lines that kind of ruffled my feathers, but I trust Haddix and I want to see where she takes this before I make any judgement calls. I’ve read and loved too many of her books (nearly all of them) not to see this through.
More:
Book 2 is Children of Refuge
Book 3 is Children of Jubilee
I have not read, rated, or reviewed the above on Goodreads, but be on the lookout for updates! When I read them, I will post ratings and reviews and update here.