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The Firefly Code #1
The Firefly Code
Mori and her friends live a normal life on Firefly Lane in their utopian community, Old Harmonie. In a world this safe and perfect, they've never had to question anything . . . never had to wonder about how their lives came to be. Until a new girl named Ilana moves in. She's so perfect that Mori and her friends are curious . . . Where exactly did Ilana come from, and why does she act so strange sometimes? When Ilana's secret is revealed, the kids on Firefly Lane must decide: is it finally time to start questioning the only world they've ever known?
340 pages, Hardcover
First published May 3, 2016
95 people are currently reading
2178 people want to read
About the author
Megan Frazer Blakemore
18 books168 followersMegan Frazer Blakemore is an author for children and young adults. She lives with her husband and children in Maine. She has worked in both school and public libraries, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in library science at Simmons SLIS.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
April 14, 2016
Really enjoyed this middle-grade utopian. It's been a very long time since I read The Giver but the community seemed to have a similar feel. In this one, a group of kids are growing up in a utopian community where everything is great and everyone works together and has their job and their community is safe from all of the dangers of the outside world. But then a new girl moves in. I really loved the friendships because they seemed very realistic. They were competitive, they got jealous, they had sleepovers, they played together almost every day, and they had fights. But they all come together when they need to and support each other and I really liked that.
Also, I really liked the questions it brings up in regards to AI and what makes someone human and acceptance. They aren't hidden deeply within the text but asked and addressed outright by the characters, though perhaps not as deeply as I would have liked. At this age, I think it works well and I would be interested to see what younger readers would think of those questions and if they'd agree or disagree with the characters in the book.
I do think the book ended very abruptly. I was not prepared for the end to come when it did. The first thing I did after turning the last page was to come here and see if this was a series. The end sets up perfectly for a sequel but there isn't one listed. Maybe it'll come later and we'll get a few more insights into the community these kids live in and what exactly the adults have done and a few more answers to some loose ends. Because my only other complaint would be that there's a lot of set-up and then a very quickly paced second half that doesn't spend as much time on those ideas above as I think it maybe should have. But otherwise I think this was a really good MG sci-fi book that can ease kids into the genre without having to jump to something like The Hunger Games, which is a little more violent than a lot of us parents want for our 4-6 graders.
Also, I really liked the questions it brings up in regards to AI and what makes someone human and acceptance. They aren't hidden deeply within the text but asked and addressed outright by the characters, though perhaps not as deeply as I would have liked. At this age, I think it works well and I would be interested to see what younger readers would think of those questions and if they'd agree or disagree with the characters in the book.
I do think the book ended very abruptly. I was not prepared for the end to come when it did. The first thing I did after turning the last page was to come here and see if this was a series. The end sets up perfectly for a sequel but there isn't one listed. Maybe it'll come later and we'll get a few more insights into the community these kids live in and what exactly the adults have done and a few more answers to some loose ends. Because my only other complaint would be that there's a lot of set-up and then a very quickly paced second half that doesn't spend as much time on those ideas above as I think it maybe should have. But otherwise I think this was a really good MG sci-fi book that can ease kids into the genre without having to jump to something like The Hunger Games, which is a little more violent than a lot of us parents want for our 4-6 graders.
May 1, 2016
Loved this dystopian novel. Perfect for 5th/6th grades I think.
February 16, 2019
The plot twist was really unexpected! I knew something was going to be revealed about Ilana, but I never expected that she was Also, it had a lot of things about genetic engineering, like releasing the latency, dampening, designing, and enhancements. There was also one similarity I found with Always Human; the enhancements are a lot like mods, except the enhancements don't always work. I also kinda found it creepy that the parents could change anything about their kids.
April 22, 2016
This is definitely a cute and fun read. However, I had a number of problems with how science was discussed since this is science fiction. I also found the friendships to be a bit unhealthy and the message strange for a middle grade.
September 5, 2017
If first impressions were everything, I would tell you that I knew that this book was going to win me over just based on the cover. I know. I know. You should never judge a book by its cover. I can’t help myself. Look at it… The Firefly Code has one of those covers just feels magical and sparked a wonder in my heart.
Actually, the whole truth is that I initially sought out The Firefly Code because I had the awesome opportunity to read an advanced copy of its sequel Daybreak Bond. And yes, Daybreak Bond also struck my curiosity with its own beautiful cover. But really, I didn’t want to be at a disadvantage with a continuing story. So, what’s a girl to do? That’s right. I started at the beginning.
So, we know I love the cover. But did the book really win me over?
In a word – Yes.
The Firefly Code is a middle-grade, science fiction story written from the perspective of a 12 year old girl named Mori. Immediately, Mori and the rest of her friends are very like-able. They have the normal amount of banter but there is a special kind of closeness that is unmistakeable. Our protagonist, Mori, has the purest sense of eagerness about her but she is also careful and kind. I loved reading from her perspective! Mori and her close-knit group of friends live on Firefly Lane and their little world is just perfect. Utopian. And though they are kept separate from the outside world, there is very little that Mori and her friends question about their lives on Firefly Lane. Why would they? They are perfectly safe just as they are…
All is fine until… Enter the new girl on Firefly Lane. Ilana.
When Ilana moves in, Mori and her friends have an immediate curiosity about her. Ilana is a beautiful girl, almost too perfect but she also tends to act a bit peculiar at times. As the children spend more time with Ilana, they begin to question her strange behavior and the odd effect that she has on Firefly Lane. As secrets more revealed, more questions are raised but not just about Ilana.
The Firefly Code is a fun and easy read. The story moves at a nice even pace that never bores you and the world that Megan Frazer Blakemore has created is wonderfully fascinating. You will want to know the secrets of Firefly Lane, just the same as Mori and her friends – the Firefly Five. And the end? Well, lets just say that I’ve already started Daybreak Bond… I just couldn’t wait!
I’m giving this book 4 very curious stars!
Actually, the whole truth is that I initially sought out The Firefly Code because I had the awesome opportunity to read an advanced copy of its sequel Daybreak Bond. And yes, Daybreak Bond also struck my curiosity with its own beautiful cover. But really, I didn’t want to be at a disadvantage with a continuing story. So, what’s a girl to do? That’s right. I started at the beginning.
So, we know I love the cover. But did the book really win me over?
In a word – Yes.
The Firefly Code is a middle-grade, science fiction story written from the perspective of a 12 year old girl named Mori. Immediately, Mori and the rest of her friends are very like-able. They have the normal amount of banter but there is a special kind of closeness that is unmistakeable. Our protagonist, Mori, has the purest sense of eagerness about her but she is also careful and kind. I loved reading from her perspective! Mori and her close-knit group of friends live on Firefly Lane and their little world is just perfect. Utopian. And though they are kept separate from the outside world, there is very little that Mori and her friends question about their lives on Firefly Lane. Why would they? They are perfectly safe just as they are…
All is fine until… Enter the new girl on Firefly Lane. Ilana.
When Ilana moves in, Mori and her friends have an immediate curiosity about her. Ilana is a beautiful girl, almost too perfect but she also tends to act a bit peculiar at times. As the children spend more time with Ilana, they begin to question her strange behavior and the odd effect that she has on Firefly Lane. As secrets more revealed, more questions are raised but not just about Ilana.
The Firefly Code is a fun and easy read. The story moves at a nice even pace that never bores you and the world that Megan Frazer Blakemore has created is wonderfully fascinating. You will want to know the secrets of Firefly Lane, just the same as Mori and her friends – the Firefly Five. And the end? Well, lets just say that I’ve already started Daybreak Bond… I just couldn’t wait!
I’m giving this book 4 very curious stars!
June 6, 2016
A science based middle grade mystery revolving around 5 friends living in a utopian community. Very creative and already has a sequel in the works which is great, because I'd like to know what happens next.
School librarians should definitely add this book to their current collection.
School librarians should definitely add this book to their current collection.
March 1, 2019
To be honest, I'm not much of a reader. If I do read a book, I usually stay in my comfort zone about books that relate to me or topics I'm interested in. While I was reading the book The Firefly Code, I was surprised I enjoyed the book more than I thought I would.
The problems the characters face are very similar to ones we face everyday. I think the book relates to real life more than others would like to admit. Mori and her friends have an ongoing struggle to be themselves and follow their own dreams. In reality, the struggles Mori and her friends go through is what we go through on a daily basis. Everyday people are scared to be themselves or want to change because they don't "fit" in with the norms. Everyday people change their dreams or their path because they want to impress others or want to please others.
In some aspects I wouldn't mind living in the society the book takes place in. How perfect would it be to live in a perfect life everyday? Everyone would always be happy and content, and there would never be any issues. I wouldn't have to worry about getting sick or making a mistake because my life and everyone me is "perfect". If I was unhappy about myself, I could modify my DNA to change myself too! How great!
I think there is truth about the book. In some people eye's we used to live in a "perfect" world where everyone was safe and everyone was equal like in The Firefly Code. However, somewhere along the way we have lost touch with all the good in the world. In my opinion, the world and the society we live in has changed so much. There has become so much danger and hatred everywhere around us and no one knows how to act or change to make the situation better. My mom used to tell me when she younger she could walk alone at night or walk downtown by herself. To me, that would be a "perfect" world. In today's society, I don't go anywhere alone ever. Just like in the book, we either pretend everything is perfect, or we handle life the best we can and try to improve everyday.
The problems the characters face are very similar to ones we face everyday. I think the book relates to real life more than others would like to admit. Mori and her friends have an ongoing struggle to be themselves and follow their own dreams. In reality, the struggles Mori and her friends go through is what we go through on a daily basis. Everyday people are scared to be themselves or want to change because they don't "fit" in with the norms. Everyday people change their dreams or their path because they want to impress others or want to please others.
In some aspects I wouldn't mind living in the society the book takes place in. How perfect would it be to live in a perfect life everyday? Everyone would always be happy and content, and there would never be any issues. I wouldn't have to worry about getting sick or making a mistake because my life and everyone me is "perfect". If I was unhappy about myself, I could modify my DNA to change myself too! How great!
I think there is truth about the book. In some people eye's we used to live in a "perfect" world where everyone was safe and everyone was equal like in The Firefly Code. However, somewhere along the way we have lost touch with all the good in the world. In my opinion, the world and the society we live in has changed so much. There has become so much danger and hatred everywhere around us and no one knows how to act or change to make the situation better. My mom used to tell me when she younger she could walk alone at night or walk downtown by herself. To me, that would be a "perfect" world. In today's society, I don't go anywhere alone ever. Just like in the book, we either pretend everything is perfect, or we handle life the best we can and try to improve everyday.
May 2, 2018
I love how this book makes you think about friendship and it has a great story line!
October 24, 2018
loooooovvvveeeeee it
April 26, 2019
It was slow at first, but I enjoyed it.
January 24, 2022
I can’t wait to read this with my kids in a few years.
August 26, 2017
I know lots of kids who liked it, but for a variety of pacing and plot things it just wasn't the book for me.
May 1, 2019
I give it 5 stars because i liked it as it showed many struggles that normal kids would have to face, especially friend troubles, I liked how it showed how friendship is so important in one's life and the struggles you would have to face in order to achieve that.
December 2, 2023
4.5 ⭐
A dystopia!
This had the right balance of a good plot and affable characters that we could easily relate to ❤️
The Firefly Five are not going to be easily forgettable.
A dystopia!
This had the right balance of a good plot and affable characters that we could easily relate to ❤️
The Firefly Five are not going to be easily forgettable.
October 22, 2018
This book was similar to The Giver, but less action. Otherwise, this was a really great book!
February 17, 2022
I recommend this book. It is a cool and a amazing story like they are trapped in a bubble and I found it as a cute fun story. I would stay up till 11:00 PM reading this book. I loved it I found it a little strange with everything going on but over all it was a great story!
May 21, 2018
This book is a true dystopian novel in the same vein as The Giver. It's set in the future in a utopian town called Old Harmonie. The characters live in a planned community on a street named Firefly Lane. Everything is cookie cutter and hints at perfection like The Stepford Wives which is an adult book. This book is an introductory look at the dystopian science-fiction genre. It doesn't have all the teen drama that YA dystopian books have.
The gist is this. Everyone appreciates living in a perfect utopia. There's no disease. Everyone eats healthy. All houses are the same. Everyone is environmentally conscience. Helicopter parenting is the norm. Kid’s brains can be tweaked at any time to make them closer to an ideal. In short, everything that society is aspiring to today, happens in the future. At age 13, kids learn their "latency.” They take a skills test to determine their talents and then get a surgical procedure to further enhance that part of their brains. This solves the problem of talents that never get discovered due to lack of exposure. For physical imperfections, they can be enhanced up to, but no more than, 30%. Whoa! That’s a lot to process.
Main character, Mori, senses a loss in all this structure and perfection. She dreads having to choose her latency. She secretly hopes there is an undiscovered artistic talent, but so far nothing points to that possibility. She is instinctively drawn to nature and loves spending time alone in the woods. Then a new, mysterious girl, Ilana, moves to town and has the same interest in nature. Mori is thrilled with Ilana, but her other friends aren’t so sure about her. The truth is revealed when they sneak into the abandoned house of Old Harmonie’s founding scientist. Mori is torn over how to react to this information, but eventually realizes that friends help each other at all costs…and that’s the Firefly code.
The topics in this book are a direct hit at what's going on in the world today. Helicopter parenting is rampant. Parent's push their kids to be perfect. People sanitize everything. They live in suburban homes with 5 floorpans and know which floorpan it is as soon as they walk into a neighbor's house. There's a race to be the first to clone a human. I get the sense this author is mocking all of that. I also detected a hint of a discussion about the haves vs. the have-nots. This would be a great book for a nontraditional middle school teacher to use to lead into a unit on debate. Many topics to debate here.
The gist is this. Everyone appreciates living in a perfect utopia. There's no disease. Everyone eats healthy. All houses are the same. Everyone is environmentally conscience. Helicopter parenting is the norm. Kid’s brains can be tweaked at any time to make them closer to an ideal. In short, everything that society is aspiring to today, happens in the future. At age 13, kids learn their "latency.” They take a skills test to determine their talents and then get a surgical procedure to further enhance that part of their brains. This solves the problem of talents that never get discovered due to lack of exposure. For physical imperfections, they can be enhanced up to, but no more than, 30%. Whoa! That’s a lot to process.
Main character, Mori, senses a loss in all this structure and perfection. She dreads having to choose her latency. She secretly hopes there is an undiscovered artistic talent, but so far nothing points to that possibility. She is instinctively drawn to nature and loves spending time alone in the woods. Then a new, mysterious girl, Ilana, moves to town and has the same interest in nature. Mori is thrilled with Ilana, but her other friends aren’t so sure about her. The truth is revealed when they sneak into the abandoned house of Old Harmonie’s founding scientist. Mori is torn over how to react to this information, but eventually realizes that friends help each other at all costs…and that’s the Firefly code.
The topics in this book are a direct hit at what's going on in the world today. Helicopter parenting is rampant. Parent's push their kids to be perfect. People sanitize everything. They live in suburban homes with 5 floorpans and know which floorpan it is as soon as they walk into a neighbor's house. There's a race to be the first to clone a human. I get the sense this author is mocking all of that. I also detected a hint of a discussion about the haves vs. the have-nots. This would be a great book for a nontraditional middle school teacher to use to lead into a unit on debate. Many topics to debate here.
May 11, 2016
Let's just say this book broke my heart. To be clear, I DON'T like dystopian books at all. But this wasn't exactly dystopian in terms of plot or feel. As the author described this is actually about a utopia where something simply goes wrong. So I enjoyed that the feel itself wasn't ever overly dark. But that's not to say this was a light read. No not in the least! This story really asked a lot of big questions about ethics and morality.
The characters were well defined and the connection of friendship the five of them share is the heart of this book. Honestly, I can't say too much without gives away something plot critical, but I knew as the remaining pages dwindled that there wasn't enough pages left to resolve all the issues that were raised. And sure enough, when I turned the last page and saw the acknowledgments staring back at me I knew this was going to be a heart cruncher. Again I don't want to give it away, but let's just say this wasn't a happy or unhappy ending. I can understand that there's a certain drama from ending it here, but honestly if I'd been writing this and just left it here I would have been nuts in 24 hours tops.
With that said I still really enjoyed this book, it was another chance to meet some awesome people from the realm of books. And like I said, for a story to break my heart means it did a lot right. But sigh... Still I just wish this didn't leave such a bittersweet taste in my mouth. Or such a feelings of incompleteness. But I guess that was part of the message they were trying to convey. Still a very heart felt book, so for that I recommend it. *lays head over on desk and cries*
The characters were well defined and the connection of friendship the five of them share is the heart of this book. Honestly, I can't say too much without gives away something plot critical, but I knew as the remaining pages dwindled that there wasn't enough pages left to resolve all the issues that were raised. And sure enough, when I turned the last page and saw the acknowledgments staring back at me I knew this was going to be a heart cruncher. Again I don't want to give it away, but let's just say this wasn't a happy or unhappy ending. I can understand that there's a certain drama from ending it here, but honestly if I'd been writing this and just left it here I would have been nuts in 24 hours tops.
With that said I still really enjoyed this book, it was another chance to meet some awesome people from the realm of books. And like I said, for a story to break my heart means it did a lot right. But sigh... Still I just wish this didn't leave such a bittersweet taste in my mouth. Or such a feelings of incompleteness. But I guess that was part of the message they were trying to convey. Still a very heart felt book, so for that I recommend it. *lays head over on desk and cries*
August 31, 2017
I figured out very early on that , but I wasn't totally right (thank goodness!). I much prefer my books to have a twist. I loved how the characters stuck together, and how all the questions aren't answered. I loved the characters' flaws that grounded them, this helped build the characters for me.
One interesting thing that really caught me was at the bottom of p. 316 & the top of p. 317: "It's one of the things I've never agreed with about the Kritopias. Always telling the kids that they are so precious and so rare. In the end it's only setting you up for disappointment."
"What do you mean?"
"You can't all be precious, can you? How is it rare if there are so many of you perfect little children running around?"
This is a school of thought I have been wondering about for a while now. OF COURSE, my darling children are the light of my eyes, but they are NOT perfect, and I let them know this (haha). But I see SO many children everyday in the course of my work, and I think many of these children are convinced that the sun shines out of their every orifice. Some well-meaning grownup person never told them otherwise. Children are wonders and miracles, however children are not perfect. Treasure your child. Love your child. Please rear your child though to realize that they are not perfect. (end of soapbox.)
Must get my hands on the next book somehow since I stayed up past midnight gobbling this one down.
One interesting thing that really caught me was at the bottom of p. 316 & the top of p. 317: "It's one of the things I've never agreed with about the Kritopias. Always telling the kids that they are so precious and so rare. In the end it's only setting you up for disappointment."
"What do you mean?"
"You can't all be precious, can you? How is it rare if there are so many of you perfect little children running around?"
This is a school of thought I have been wondering about for a while now. OF COURSE, my darling children are the light of my eyes, but they are NOT perfect, and I let them know this (haha). But I see SO many children everyday in the course of my work, and I think many of these children are convinced that the sun shines out of their every orifice. Some well-meaning grownup person never told them otherwise. Children are wonders and miracles, however children are not perfect. Treasure your child. Love your child. Please rear your child though to realize that they are not perfect. (end of soapbox.)
Must get my hands on the next book somehow since I stayed up past midnight gobbling this one down.
August 12, 2025
The Firefly Code by Megan Frazer Blakemore has the appeal of television shows like Eureka, another company town with a scientific research bent, and Stranger Things, minus the threat of an extra-dimensional predator. There are literary nods to Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, and more recently, The Rules by Stacey Kade and 0.4 by Mike Lancaster.
In regards to the title, it's a little pun on all the different kinds of code at play in Firefly Five's lives. There is DNA and one's own genetic makeup which every child is shown upon their thirteenth birthday. There is computer programing and robotics, two things the company does — and two things that influence the way Mori sees the world. Then, of course, there is the sort of code of friendship that childhood friends come up with. Their decision and strife over the integration of Ilana into their group is very similar to Eleven's experience.
The book has an open ended conclusion. As a standalone, the ending gives plenty of room for classroom discussion or essay writing. I not so secretly hope it's a hook for a sequel. I want to see what happens to Mori and her friends as they hit the open road. I want to explore more of the world, especially the world outside of Old Harmonie.
http://www.pussreboots.com/blog/2016/...
In regards to the title, it's a little pun on all the different kinds of code at play in Firefly Five's lives. There is DNA and one's own genetic makeup which every child is shown upon their thirteenth birthday. There is computer programing and robotics, two things the company does — and two things that influence the way Mori sees the world. Then, of course, there is the sort of code of friendship that childhood friends come up with. Their decision and strife over the integration of Ilana into their group is very similar to Eleven's experience.
The book has an open ended conclusion. As a standalone, the ending gives plenty of room for classroom discussion or essay writing. I not so secretly hope it's a hook for a sequel. I want to see what happens to Mori and her friends as they hit the open road. I want to explore more of the world, especially the world outside of Old Harmonie.
http://www.pussreboots.com/blog/2016/...
June 15, 2017
I enjoyed the read, but I was looking specifically for a sci-fi tween book. It is definitely that, but somewhere past the half way point I felt like it, although subtly, turned into more of a political book. Maybe I'm completely off base or maybe the world is crazy enough right now that we are all overly sensitive, but I felt that somewhere I'd been part of a bait and switch. A dramatic one line final paragraph in a chapter for example states, "Walls don't keep us safe, we do." Although some reasons are given for the "utopia" rules and tenets, the adults that support them are all distracted, remote, or just plain liars while the children, of course, are enlightened. Obviously that is a plot for many tween/YA books, but somehow this felt a little different.
On the plus side, I enjoyed the botanical references throughout the book, and the genetic engineering angle could certainly lead to some great discussions. The young people in the story are believable, and although some of the surprises weren't surprises at all to adults, they may be to young people, and even if not, the book is still engaging. The bottom line of being a good friend is a good one, especially for the targeted age group.
On the plus side, I enjoyed the botanical references throughout the book, and the genetic engineering angle could certainly lead to some great discussions. The young people in the story are believable, and although some of the surprises weren't surprises at all to adults, they may be to young people, and even if not, the book is still engaging. The bottom line of being a good friend is a good one, especially for the targeted age group.
August 3, 2017
The Firefly Code was an amazing book. It will make you cry, it will you make you laugh, it will make you think. The community in the book reminded me of the one in The Giver ( I watched the movie, and I will read the book soon! :D ) as it is supposed to be a utopia where everyone plays the by the rules. Stays in the lines. Abides by the norm. But there's a lawbreaker who shatters that who little ideal into a million, tiny pieces to protect someone she loves. That lawbreaker would be the timid but curious Mori, trying to save her friend. And there's always the person needing to rescued, oblivious to it all. Alana. During the span of this book, Mori ad her friends Theo, Julia, and Benji find devastating secrets about what seemingly perfect Alana really is. And once they find out Alana's secret ( which she herself doesn't know) they know they have to do something. Anything. Even if it breaks the rules. Enrages the authorities. Anything. Anything to save their friend.
I adored reading this book. It made me think, truly think- about ethics, friendship, and breaking the rules.
Very well done Megan.
I adored reading this book. It made me think, truly think- about ethics, friendship, and breaking the rules.
Very well done Megan.
October 26, 2016
Great book for a book club. What is a human? When does genetic manipulation enhances ones original self, and when does it change the original being into a new/designed individual? These are the questions the Firefly 5 are face with as they transition from 6th to 7th Grade, from 11 to 12 years old when they have to choose their "latancy" which will determine who they become and what jobs they will take. All of this is done in a near future Utopian atmosphere reminiscent of "The Giver" by Lois Lowery.
This should be on every STEAM, STEM and social sciences teachers bookshelf because the tech part of the story is enmeshed in the universal themes of safety without choice, or choice without safety. Taking responsibility for your life and actions, and above all this book is about friendship. A book kids will want to read for the characters and story, but one that will leave them with questions that address current events. Not sure its the first in a series, which would be fantastic. But it could be more powerful left as a stand alone.
This should be on every STEAM, STEM and social sciences teachers bookshelf because the tech part of the story is enmeshed in the universal themes of safety without choice, or choice without safety. Taking responsibility for your life and actions, and above all this book is about friendship. A book kids will want to read for the characters and story, but one that will leave them with questions that address current events. Not sure its the first in a series, which would be fantastic. But it could be more powerful left as a stand alone.
May 8, 2016
The idea that there's a "utopia" (or, more accurately, several) that is, in reality, more Big Brother and dystopia is not new (think The Giver or City of Ember). So there's a lot in this book that feels familiar, yet the children here feel a little realer than in those books - they could almost be kids playing on your block, swimming in your neighborhood pool. And for some reason, the ways in which they question Old Harmonie and what's going on also feel more real, more natural than elsewhere, probably because the town is presented as being rather natural and familiar. The problem is the pacing and some of the Big Discoveries (what's in Number 9, for example, could have been more than it actually is); the ending is so abrupt, again like in The Giver but here there's less ambiguity and more "get ready for Book Two".
ARC provided by publisher.
ARC provided by publisher.
June 10, 2016
I was so disappointed with the story. First of all I am completely done with the Dystopian books.
I also hated the way the parents where the enemies.
her relationship with her friends was really messed up and was pathetic. also I never really understood why Ilana didn't understand she was a robot. I would know if I was!
I also hated the way the parents where the enemies.
her relationship with her friends was really messed up and was pathetic. also I never really understood why Ilana didn't understand she was a robot. I would know if I was!
October 19, 2017
This book is a five-star book. It holds great themes such as listen to your heart and support your friends. I couldn't put it down. The plot is a little slow at first but it is worth reading because it picks up pretty quickly and from there on you can't help but hold your breath. I would recommend this book to people who liked "The Giver" or anyone who likes science fiction.
June 17, 2020
This book was very interesting for a middle grade read in that it wasn't driven by an external plot. There was no quest, no exterior objective the main character, 12-year-old Mori, has to achieve.
You could even say there was no "typical" action for MG sci-fi -- no moon buggy races, no invading aliens, no 'splosions (the stick by which my son and husband judge every book and movie they've ever read / seen), no flying spaceships, although there is a house fire the kids watch from afar. In fact, the most "exciting" thing that happens is, of course, at the very end and sets the stage for the second book.
Instead, this book focuses on a philosophical journey undertaken by children, not adults (because the adults represent some very fixed ideas about the world and these issues), considering the following questions:
If your parents could design you, pick and choose genes for attributes they wanted in you, would you want to be designed? Or be a "natural" kid, with all the limitations that implies?
And if your parents also had the ability to alter your brain through surgery, say release a hidden talent or dampen a negative or self-destructive trait, would you want them to? Would doing so change who you are?
And finally, what makes a friend? Flesh and blood? Or is it possible to call an artificial intelligence, around which flesh and blood are grown, a friend, too?
Mori is 12, on the cusp of having her brain-altering surgery to "release her latency," a technique pioneered by her Baba (grandmother) in the super technologically advanced settlement of New Harmonie.
The bulk of the book takes place on Firefly Lane, in a cul-de-sac, as the kids ride bikes and visit each other's houses / pools, or in Mori's case, the woods just outside the town but inside the fence that keeps them safe from the hordes and diseases outside their town.
One day a new girl appears, Ilana. She whisks into the empty house in the cul-de-sac with some amazingly trendy parents, high-ranking in the Krita Corp., which runs the settlement, and Mori, on a whim, takes Ilana to her place in the woods. It's the one place Julia, Mori's best friend, doesn't get. Mori is a naturalist at heart, and loves drawing the plants and naming the trees and just spending time surrounded by foliage and greenery. She's also a true "natural," not a designed kid, and was born with a retinal impairment. Her parents have used up almost all of her 30% allotment for enhancements fixing her eye, with a combination of a surgically implanted new lens and special prescription, adaptive glasses that enable her to see. Mori and Ilana click, the way friends do at that age, sparking Julia's jealousy.
Julia is the exact opposite of Mori -- she's a designed child, exceptionally physically fit and capable of amazing feats of running, jumping, etc. She's hyper-competitive about everything, more so this year than ever before, and of course Julia doesn't like Ilana from the start.
Ilana, Mori is convinced after they bond over the moss in Oakedge, Mori's forest oasis Ilana helps her name, is all-natural, like herself. Mori's been taught that nature is gorgeous, and Ilana is too, so of course, Ilana must be a "natural."
Mori is determined to integrate Ilana into their circle of friends -- including Theo, another "designed" kid, and Benji, a genius and a "natural." (Although you learn later to not trust what the kids have been told by their parents, at all.)
Then Theo has his latency surgery, and he comes back...changed. He has bad headaches. He's downright nasty, for no reason, to Mori, with whom he's always been very protective and gentle. He has to go back, for more brain surgeries, to "fix" him, because they (Krita Corp.'s doctors) got it wrong, the first time. Eventually, he evens out, but...Mori pauses to think about what's been done to him.
At the same time, Mori's putting together some not-so-subtle hints that Ilana may not be what they all think she is. They go into her Baba's house at #9, which has been abandoned all these years, and find a closet packed with humanoid android parts and an old computer they boot up, with files about a scuttled project named, "Alana."
And then there's a near-drowning in Julia's pool, in which Ilana just "shuts down" and then, once rescued, suddenly "reboots." And there's the fact that Ilana's never quite meshed with any of the other kids, except Mori.
When they go back to the house for more answers, Ilana hurts Mori, grabs her arm way too tight and leaves a painful bruise, to prevent her from going inside. The house burns down, destroying all evidence inside and any chance the kids could get solid answers to their questions. Still, Mori isn't sure Ilana is natural at all, or if she's even human.
But does that mean, Ilana isn't a friend? And when Ilana's in trouble, when Krita Corp. decides to "scuttle" the experiment that is her, can Mori convince all the kids to come to her rescue?
I won't spoil the ending. You'll have to read to find out what they do, which I will say is the basis for Book 2.
A thoroughly enjoyable, if uncharacteristically quiet, science-fiction middle grade read.
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: http://amb.mystrikingly.com/
You could even say there was no "typical" action for MG sci-fi -- no moon buggy races, no invading aliens, no 'splosions (the stick by which my son and husband judge every book and movie they've ever read / seen), no flying spaceships, although there is a house fire the kids watch from afar. In fact, the most "exciting" thing that happens is, of course, at the very end and sets the stage for the second book.
Instead, this book focuses on a philosophical journey undertaken by children, not adults (because the adults represent some very fixed ideas about the world and these issues), considering the following questions:
If your parents could design you, pick and choose genes for attributes they wanted in you, would you want to be designed? Or be a "natural" kid, with all the limitations that implies?
And if your parents also had the ability to alter your brain through surgery, say release a hidden talent or dampen a negative or self-destructive trait, would you want them to? Would doing so change who you are?
And finally, what makes a friend? Flesh and blood? Or is it possible to call an artificial intelligence, around which flesh and blood are grown, a friend, too?
Mori is 12, on the cusp of having her brain-altering surgery to "release her latency," a technique pioneered by her Baba (grandmother) in the super technologically advanced settlement of New Harmonie.
The bulk of the book takes place on Firefly Lane, in a cul-de-sac, as the kids ride bikes and visit each other's houses / pools, or in Mori's case, the woods just outside the town but inside the fence that keeps them safe from the hordes and diseases outside their town.
One day a new girl appears, Ilana. She whisks into the empty house in the cul-de-sac with some amazingly trendy parents, high-ranking in the Krita Corp., which runs the settlement, and Mori, on a whim, takes Ilana to her place in the woods. It's the one place Julia, Mori's best friend, doesn't get. Mori is a naturalist at heart, and loves drawing the plants and naming the trees and just spending time surrounded by foliage and greenery. She's also a true "natural," not a designed kid, and was born with a retinal impairment. Her parents have used up almost all of her 30% allotment for enhancements fixing her eye, with a combination of a surgically implanted new lens and special prescription, adaptive glasses that enable her to see. Mori and Ilana click, the way friends do at that age, sparking Julia's jealousy.
Julia is the exact opposite of Mori -- she's a designed child, exceptionally physically fit and capable of amazing feats of running, jumping, etc. She's hyper-competitive about everything, more so this year than ever before, and of course Julia doesn't like Ilana from the start.
Ilana, Mori is convinced after they bond over the moss in Oakedge, Mori's forest oasis Ilana helps her name, is all-natural, like herself. Mori's been taught that nature is gorgeous, and Ilana is too, so of course, Ilana must be a "natural."
Mori is determined to integrate Ilana into their circle of friends -- including Theo, another "designed" kid, and Benji, a genius and a "natural." (Although you learn later to not trust what the kids have been told by their parents, at all.)
Then Theo has his latency surgery, and he comes back...changed. He has bad headaches. He's downright nasty, for no reason, to Mori, with whom he's always been very protective and gentle. He has to go back, for more brain surgeries, to "fix" him, because they (Krita Corp.'s doctors) got it wrong, the first time. Eventually, he evens out, but...Mori pauses to think about what's been done to him.
At the same time, Mori's putting together some not-so-subtle hints that Ilana may not be what they all think she is. They go into her Baba's house at #9, which has been abandoned all these years, and find a closet packed with humanoid android parts and an old computer they boot up, with files about a scuttled project named, "Alana."
And then there's a near-drowning in Julia's pool, in which Ilana just "shuts down" and then, once rescued, suddenly "reboots." And there's the fact that Ilana's never quite meshed with any of the other kids, except Mori.
When they go back to the house for more answers, Ilana hurts Mori, grabs her arm way too tight and leaves a painful bruise, to prevent her from going inside. The house burns down, destroying all evidence inside and any chance the kids could get solid answers to their questions. Still, Mori isn't sure Ilana is natural at all, or if she's even human.
But does that mean, Ilana isn't a friend? And when Ilana's in trouble, when Krita Corp. decides to "scuttle" the experiment that is her, can Mori convince all the kids to come to her rescue?
I won't spoil the ending. You'll have to read to find out what they do, which I will say is the basis for Book 2.
A thoroughly enjoyable, if uncharacteristically quiet, science-fiction middle grade read.
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: http://amb.mystrikingly.com/
January 10, 2023
Slow-paced, but good. All of the characters needed a little more development.
February 6, 2025
this is such a fun read so far. I can't wait for the second book to be read!! it is def comforting in a way and a good mix of a cute, yet fantasy-dystopian read.
March 11, 2019
Dystopian literature has been one of my favorite genres, and is absolutely my current favorite. Admittedly, I still haven't quite finished the book due to being overly busy these last couple of weeks, but I plan to because I am enjoying it a lot so far. This book combines elements of science fiction with the dystopian genre to create an incredible (and fairly realistic) world that takes place in the not too distant future. In this world scientists have discovered the ability to unlock what they call "latencies" in the human brain; special traits that each individual possesses an aptitude for and that a surgical procedure helps to advance, so that the person becomes incredibly talented in their area of "latency". The main character and protagonist is a girl named Mori who is fairly relatable because, much like most readers, she is incredibly curious about the world around her, yet has no idea what she wants to do with her life or what she wants her "latency" to be.
In this book the society has scientifically advanced to the point where they can improve individuals and "upgrade" them, but they only allow a 30% change to be made to each person so that evolution and natural human development may continue. This is interesting because from a scientific standpoint, both the argument of "nature vs nurture" and simply natural evolution vs scientific advancement are brought into play. The conflict being: if we can advance society and humans through the means of science, does that mean that we should? In addition to this, this society brings into play how differences in people may be viewed. For example, though it is never explicitly stated, Mori has a slight bias against people who aren't "natural" meaning that their genetics and DNA were altered in a lab for ideal traits or a more ideal outcome. Mori leans heavily in favor of allowing nature to do what it is intended to do and allowing humans and all life to evolve and grow, stating things such as, "nature tends to be smarter than people" (page 16). As our society progresses these questions and biases of science vs nature are growing more and more relatable, which makes this book all the better because it helps readers to think through and develop thoughts, questions, and opinions of their own about matters in the book, which in turn help to inspire all of those about the world we live in.
Overall this book has been an intriguing and thought provoking reading experience. I found myself constantly predicting what I thought was going to happen next and putting myself in the main character's place with a "what would I do in this situation" approach to reading it. Frequently I found myself making text-to-self or text-to-world connections without trying to, and a book that has the ability to get the reader to relate to it on a personal level is an incredible thing. I would highly recommend reading this book, particularly if you enjoy science fiction because though the main genre is dystopian, there are so many heavy influences from science fiction in this story which makes it all the more intriguing.
In this book the society has scientifically advanced to the point where they can improve individuals and "upgrade" them, but they only allow a 30% change to be made to each person so that evolution and natural human development may continue. This is interesting because from a scientific standpoint, both the argument of "nature vs nurture" and simply natural evolution vs scientific advancement are brought into play. The conflict being: if we can advance society and humans through the means of science, does that mean that we should? In addition to this, this society brings into play how differences in people may be viewed. For example, though it is never explicitly stated, Mori has a slight bias against people who aren't "natural" meaning that their genetics and DNA were altered in a lab for ideal traits or a more ideal outcome. Mori leans heavily in favor of allowing nature to do what it is intended to do and allowing humans and all life to evolve and grow, stating things such as, "nature tends to be smarter than people" (page 16). As our society progresses these questions and biases of science vs nature are growing more and more relatable, which makes this book all the better because it helps readers to think through and develop thoughts, questions, and opinions of their own about matters in the book, which in turn help to inspire all of those about the world we live in.
Overall this book has been an intriguing and thought provoking reading experience. I found myself constantly predicting what I thought was going to happen next and putting myself in the main character's place with a "what would I do in this situation" approach to reading it. Frequently I found myself making text-to-self or text-to-world connections without trying to, and a book that has the ability to get the reader to relate to it on a personal level is an incredible thing. I would highly recommend reading this book, particularly if you enjoy science fiction because though the main genre is dystopian, there are so many heavy influences from science fiction in this story which makes it all the more intriguing.
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