Of Better Blood

Gr 6–9—Rowan is the youngest daughter in the affluent Collier family living in Manhattan a century ago. Though the girl grows up without a mother, her childhood is comfortable and carefree. That is, until Rowan is struck by polio. As the family struggle to cope with their own prejudice, the protagonist is sent away. She befriends Dorchy, another young girl with her own set of problems, in her journey to find the inner strength to cope with her new disability and the raw rejection of her family. As their summer unfolds, the friends uncover the horrific plans of their wardens to create a "fitter" society. They vow to save their friends, but they aren't even sure if they will be able to save themselves. Moger crafts likable characters who mature over the course of the book. A few characters are downright villainous, and most follow predictable paths of personal growth. The story touches on delicate subjects, such as forced sterilization, with sensitivity. While the account of Rowan is fictional, Moger explains the historical context of her story in the notes at the end of the book. Despite a slow start to the story, the pace of the plot picks up with unexpected challenges and heartbreaking results. Readers will enjoy the mystery as it mounts in the final chapters but may be frustrated with the realistic conclusion.