KDL Recommends

The Unwanteds

ISBN: 1442407689

Title: The Unwanteds

Author: Lisa McMann

KDL Description:

I would recommend The Unwanteds series by Lisa McMann which is about a society that purges thirteen-year-olds who are creative. Identical twins, Alex and Aaron, are separated, one to attend University while the other, supposedly Eliminated, finds himself in a wondrous place where youths hone their abilities and learn magic. I just finished reading the second book Island of Silence. I love the value placed on creativity and integrity by the citizens of the magical land of Artime, where risk-taking is encouraged and learning from mistakes is celebrated, versus the neighboring village of Quill which is based solely on logic.
-Wendy at KDL’s Walker branch

Amazon Description:

Every year in Quill, thirteen-year-olds are sorted into categories: the strong, intelligent Wanteds go to university, and the artistic Unwanteds are sent to their deaths

Thirteen-year-old Alex tries his hardest to be stoic when his fate is announced as Unwanted, even while leaving behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted. Upon arrival at the destination where he expected to be eliminated, however, Alex discovers a stunning secret—behind the mirage of the “death farm” there is instead a place called Artime.

In Artime, each child is taught to cultivate their creative abilities and learn how to use them magically, weaving spells through paintbrushes and musical instruments. Everything Alex has ever known changes before his eyes, and it’s a wondrous transformation.

But it’s a rare, unique occurence for twins to be separated between Wanted and Unwanted, and as Alex and Aaron’s bond stretches across their separation, a threat arises for the survival of Artime that will pit brother against brother in an ultimate, magical battle.