The Ward

Gr 9 Up—In this run-of-the-mill dystopian thriller, New York City has been washed out by floods. The poor inhabitants live on the top floors of the tallest skyscrapers; fresh water is scarce, and the HBNC virus is wiping out the population. The wealthy people live on the West Isles, where they have better water filtration systems, but the virus is starting to spread to them as well. Ren, 16, grew up in an orphanage and is now a dragster, a person who makes a living competing in dangerous races in a carlike contraption across rooftops. She is a strong, independent young woman who has a lot of responsibility but still shows immaturity. Ren has two secrets: the first is that her friend Aven is very sick, and the second is that she works for the "Blues" scouting for fresh water. However, she didn't realize when she was hired that the governor of the city was hoping that she would find the fountain of youth, and that a secret group of people has protected the fountain for hundreds of years.The story goes downhill from there; it is full of clichés, such as corrupt politicians, police officers, and wealthy bullies who try to keep Ren from succeeding. Furthermore, it is difficult to believe that the buildings are still inhabitable after being under water for so many years.—Erik Carlson, White Plains Public Library, NY