My Life with the Liars

Gr 5–8—Zylynn is transported from the compound of a religious cult, the only home she has ever known, and taken to an unfamiliar place; she is being cast out to live in the darkness among the liars and the evil people. Zylynn presumes that she is being punished for a small transgression, "the abomination," and to test her faith before her 13th-year ceremony. As days go by, readers learn about Zylynn's former life at the compound through her behaviors in this new and strange house. To Zylynn, food is unbelievably abundant—how can one person be allowed two slices of bacon and strawberries? She is perplexed by hugs the mother gives the other children, as she has limited memories of being hugged or comforted. The protagonist eventually sees the good in loving contact and likes having enough to eat, but she is conflicted by the beliefs she has been taught. Slowly, she begins to remember things from long ago that confuse her and start to make her question her life in the compound. As Zylynn starts to pull at the threads of her memories, more of her story unfolds and readers will be transfixed. Zylynn is well portrayed as a devout but confused young girl.