Divergent

Divergent, Veronica Roth’s debut novel, is the ultimate dystopian novel. In this futuristic world, people must belong to one of five factions: Abnegation (value selflessness), Amity (value peacefulness), Candor (value honesty), Dauntless (value braveness), and Erudite (value intelligence). Beatrice, her brother Caleb, and all the other sixteen-year-olds in their class must decide which faction they will belong to at the upcoming Choosing Ceremony. Beatrice and Caleb have been raised in an Abnegation family – to choose otherwise would kill their father. Prior to making their decision, all the teens making their choice must attend an aptitude test to see what their best match is. Beatrice’s aptitude test gives conflicting results and she is told she is divergent and must keep that a secret from everyone. Making the choice is only the beginning; recruits must then compete in deadly battles against strong opponents for positions within their faction and could still be cast out into society and labeled as factionless. Beatrice must make some difficult choices including where her loyalty lies – with her family or with her faction. Divergent, the perfect blend of action, suspense, and romance, is on the Texas Lone Star Reading List 2012-13. I recommend it for 8th grade and up. This is a great read for Hunger Games and Matched fans.