Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Brenda

Biological terrorists release a virus that kills everyone over the age of 14. This story focuses on the children who are at Isles of Wonder, a Disney-like theme park. In many ways, these kids may be better off than those outside the park. The park is completely automated and self-contained, with recycling of water and creation of their own electrity. They are gated off from the outside world, and they have several children who are the offspring of employees at the park. They have some specialized knowledge of the park systems, just by listening to their parents talk about their work. Some children step up to become leaders and organize all the things that need to be done. A world without adults, it could be paradise for kids....or could it?

This was an engrosing and interesting book. It's very much like Animal Farm in that it examines the governing system that the kids work out and how it comes about. It looks at the personal relationships between the kids and looks at how people decide how to do the "right" thing. It was a really good book, but the idea of watching your parents die right in front of you, might be disturbing for younger readers. It's not
graphically mentioned but as time goes by, some of the older girls do become pregnant. It is fascinating how many of the kids form their own unrelated "families" with older children playing the role of parents.

If you think you can handle the more graphic scenes, you should read this book; it really gives you a lot to think about.