Pretties

Westerfeld, Scott. Pretties. Simon Pulse, 2005. ISBN-13: 978-0-689-86539-8

Plot
Tally Youngblood has finally become a Pretty. She is the toast of the town and has a totally good looking and equally as popular boyfriend. Currently, her only worry is trying to figure out what to wear at a semi-formal party. However, despite all the partying there is something at the back of her mind that is just fighting to come back out. There is a lingering memory that this world is not okay that it is not real. This memory also makes her a prime target or the authorities, since no one wants the truth about Pretties exposed.

Critical Evaluation
Again Westerfeld delivers another fast-paced thriller. He does not waste anytime getting the reader captured in the suspense and thrills as Tally finds herself torn between two worlds once again. New characters are added to the story, but characters from the previous novel are not forgotten. Readers will enjoy another page turner in the series.

Reader's Annotation
Tally Youngblood is a Pretty and has everything that anybody could possibly want. But there is a lingering memory that tells her this place isn't real and she is not safe. This memory is also the reason the authorities must find her and make sure that no one else knows what she does.

About the Author
Scott Westerfeld is a science fiction author that has written three series for teens. He has also written several novels for adults as well. He received his BA in Philosophy from Vassar as well as competing graduate studies in Performance Act at New York University.

Currently Westerfeld is married and has no kids. He and his wife split their time between New York City and Sydney, Australia.

Genre
Fiction

Curriculum Ties
Science Fiction
Dystopia

Book Talking Ideas
Do you think that David's "ugliness" has Tally complete turned off? Or will they able to resume their relationship?
Do you think being a Pretty is something that happens to you or is it something that the person creates for themselves?
Did you think Tally could ever forget? If you had a choice, would you want to remember the past or just leave it alone?

Reading Level/Interest Age
12+

Challenge Issues
none

Why Included in Selection
It is a great sequel to Uglies and a fast, interesting read.