Outside

Gr 4-7–Twelve-year-old Razzi has grown up in the Refuge—an old millionaire’s mansion surrounded by walls to keep everyone safe. The adults of the Refuge told the children about the war that caused the Great Poisoning, and they know they must stay inside to protect themselves from zombie-like infected humans who could attack at any moment. As a First, Razzi has known that her job is to follow the rules, make good decisions, and keep the other children safe. However, after a heart complication necessitates a transplant, Razzi discovers that she now has the heart of a greyhound named Wind. Though she knows she must stay inside, her new heart leaves her longing to ­venture outside. While some readers may find the connection between Razzi and Wind farfetched, the question of what lies beyond the walls will keep readers invested. Narrator Jacobs gives an authentic voice to a young girl struggling with grief, fear, and the unknown. The narration style matches the tone and pacing of the story and gives life to the multiple characters throughout. Jacobs’s characterization is ­particularly strong ­toward the end of the novel, as new characters are introduced and new voices are added to help distinguish among them. ­