Uglies

Westerfeld, Scott. Uglies. Simon Pulse, 2005. ISBN-13: 978-0-689-86538-1

Plot
Tally Youngblood cannot wait for her sixteenth birthday. This is because she will be able to get the mandatory surgery which makes her a Pretty. Being a Pretty is a big deal, it means no more hardships from seeing natural imperfections in your body and face. It also means that Tally will get to live in Pretty Town and just party and be happy or "bubbly" all day long. That is until her friend Shay comes into the picture. Shay does not want to get the surgery and keeps talking about the Smoke, people who live with their imperfections out in the wilderness. Suddenly Shay disappears and Tally is responsible in bringing her back or she may never become a Pretty.

Critical Evaluation
Westerfeld is able to create an entire new society with mystery and great story telling. Readers can visualize the objects or buildings that he describes while getting totally into the plot. The book keeps the readers guessing and details are exposed throughout the fast pace of the plot so that the reader stays interested. This book is a quick and easy read for teen readers to enjoy without having to dissect or be frustrated by the complexity of the story or language.

Reader's Annotation
Turning sixteen means that you get to become a Pretty. Once a Pretty you are granted access to grand parties and an care-free life, this is what Tally Youngblood wants, just like any other normal teen. However, when her friend runs away Tally is sent to get her back or else! While on her journey, Tally sees the other side of being a Pretty and things are not what she first thought they were.

About the Author
Scott Westerfeld is a science fiction novelist. He has written five books for adults in addition to the three set of series he has written for teens. He got his BA in Philosophy from Vassar then completed graduate work in Performance Studies at New York University.

He is married to a fellow writer named Justine Larbalestier. He and his wife split their time between Sydney, Australia and New York City.

Genre
Fiction

Curriculum Ties
Distopia
Science-Fiction

Book Talking Ideas
Do you think becoming a Pretty would make Tally happy?
What kind of beauty David is talking about when he is with Tally?
Why do you think the idea of becoming a Pretty is so sought after?

Reading Level/Interest Age
12+

Challenge Issues
Suggestive material

Challenge Answer
The sexual suggestive material is only mentioned very briefly at the beginning of the book (maybe only one sentence). There is no explicit detail given and it is not a major part in the plot at all.

Why Included in Selection
It is an interesting science fiction distopia novel.