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Gr 5-8 Honor and her parents have been forcibly relocated to a seaside shack, the most dangerous living facility in this carefully constructed dystopia. In this future world, reminiscent of that in Lois Lowry's "The Giver" (Houghton, 1993), the Corporation, headed by the mysterious Earth Mother, has created a totally controlled society. Lands are being enclosed to protect the inhabitants from freak natural weather, and "safe" weather is created with overlaysfake sunrises and sunsets projected d...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

In adult author Goodman's first novel for young readers, a (presumably) climate-change-caused Flood has decimated Earth's population, submerging most of the continents; in response, Earth Mother's Corporation has Enclosed various regions of the now island-dotted planet, resulting in New Weather and a complete emphasis on unquestioning obedience and conformity. Ten-year-old Honor is the book's heroine, struggli...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

After a flood decimates the population, Earth Mother's Corporation encloses regions of the now island-dotted planet. Ten-year...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

Distinct characters, realistic dialogue, and surprising plot twists make The Other Side of the Island a page-turner as well as a psychologically perceptive tale about family life, adolescence, and political power. The details with which Allegra Goodman relays Honor’s post-apocalyptic world, ruled by a totalitarian government headed by the benignly named Earth Mother, are memorable and chilling. Laundry detergent helps remove stains as well as long-term memories, and books are rewritten to...Log In or Sign Up to Read More