Shatter+Me

__Shatter Me__, by Tahereh Mafi 2012 sci-fi dystopian 1st of a series Bklst: gr. 8-12, Krks 12+, PW 14+, SLJ gr 9+ Recommended by Barrington Middle School

// Library Media Connection //// ( //// March/April 2012 //// ) //
// Juliette has been in solitary confinement since "the accident" because Juliette's touch has the potential to kill. When Adam arrives, he shows Juliette that she is human and helps her start to feel again. Adam's cruel boss, Warner, wants to use Juliette's touch as a torture weapon. Adam and Juliette plan their escape, but they have no idea how badly Warner wants Juliette. Through a series of harrowing events, they find themselves at a place that harbors others like Juliette. In this first title of a new series, Tahereh Mafi provides readers with romance, empathetic characters, a war torn country, and people with special abilities. Emily Cassady, Educational Reviewer, Dallas, Texas RECOMMENDED // Dec. 6, 2015 - After starting the book, I put it down. I found it very dark and rough, and don't recommend it for middle school promotion. Amy Perry, Barrington Middle School I don't love this book but I'm in a minority. I find the metaphors weird and super-flowery w/a tendency for melodrama. The issue of all the male characters in her life either using her or saving her or teaching her of her powers is a turn-off too, though maybe the rest of the trilogy finds her coming into her own strength. Good stuff: romance was well-built, and I like the unique format. It made me want to learn more about the XMen-esque superstory it wants to be. Very girly cover art. While I wouldn't put it on a final list, you will have no problem with teens reading it. I don't find it too old for middle school but I do have a more liberal age range than some. - Liz, Merrimack PL 12/7/15 In fairness, I listened to this and perhaps the narrator was the problem but I gave up on this book! I found every one in the book overdramatic and overly simplistic. Not my favorite but could fill a niche if needed. - Mollie, Portsmouth PL 12/29/15 An interesting setup for another Dystopian series. It struck me as derivative of the Gwen storyline in the TV series Angel, with Juliette, the mc, unable to touch anyone without inflicting pain/death. That being said, it was highly readable with interesting twists and turns and believable characters and situations. Younger teens would likely not find the story as unoriginal as I did, and it will hold their interest. -Kirsten Rundquist Corbett, Sandown PL 1/28/16