Right State

Gr 9 Up—In the not too distant future, Ted Akers is an opinionated television personality and political correspondent who is approached for a mission to infiltrate a local militia. Akers isn't a soldier, but he believes in an America that he thinks no longer exists. He sympathizes with the ideals of the Roots of Liberty, the group led by former marine Ezekiel Dutton, but he can't support their actions. When Dutton plans to assassinate someone important in Washington, DC, Akers springs into action to uncover a complicated web of conspiracy and hopefully stop him before anyone gets killed. This graphic novel tries too hard to have witty, intriguing dialogue masquerade as political commentary. The members of the Roots of Liberty all have their reasons for joining the group, but none of them makes much sense beyond a blind, irrational hatred for anyone who is different. Even Akers is a borderline racist who often blurts out hateful anti-Muslin sentiments to Asif, his government handler. While Mutti's black-and-white art helps move the story along, it is unfortunate that the panels stop the immediacy of the inevitable climax. The art is the only thing, though, that helps readers differentiate a diverse cast of characters who may often be confused for one another. Many teens might not make it all the way through this one.—Ryan P. Donovan, New York Public Library