How We Became Wicked

Gr 7 Up–Earth has met its apocalypse, and it involves insects. Mosquito-like hybrids carry the disease “wicked,” and it spreads quickly. Victims gain a taste for violence, usually murdering their neighbors and family members with a childlike grin. Astrid has been raised in a glass-domed area, sheltered from the wicked, and protected by gallons of insecticide. When newcomers arrive in their encased town, they are asked The Question: What do you want? When asked repeatedly, those infected with wicked will invariably slip up and reveal their true intentions, like maybe seeing what you look like without skin. Astrid is uniquely immune to the disease. It was believed that if young children were exposed to the virus they would be “vexed,” or immune. Unfortunately, this worked for only Astrid, and an entire generation of children, save two, died in the attempt, not to be replaced. Although her age-mate Hank did not die, he is not immune, and, like the other members of their community, must wear a bee suit whenever venturing out. Meanwhile, as Astrid and Hank delve into the history of the town, the lighthouse across the way springs to life, raising questions about possible other residents. This is a real page-turner, although jumps in perspective and time may prove problematic for reluctant readers.