Book Reviews |
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 The Declaration is a futuristic novel where “Longevity” drugs have been invented. They prevent ageing and illness and enables a human to live forever. But consequently, by taking these drugs, you have to sign the 'Declaration', which states that you aren't allowed to have a child, as the population would no longer be in balance. However, some people break the Declaration and there children are classed as “Surpluses”. They grow up away from society, in a “Surplus Hall”, similar to an orphanage. The children live there and are trained to become servants and in general, do the dirty jobs “Legals” do not want to do; this way they repent for their parents’ sins. They are even manipulated into believing they need to atone for their very existence.
Our main character, Anna, is a surplus at Grange Hall and is soon to become a “Valuable Asset”. She has grown up in Grange Hall and knows nothing about the real world. She lives behind the thick grey walls and dark blinds hiding her from our planet; she’s concealed from all the knowledge out there, to powerful for someone like her. But one day she meets Peter and he’s different. He has experienced whats out there and claims he knows Anna’s parents. She doesn’t trust him. Not for a second. She has been brainwashed into thinking she is a Surplus and nothing else, as unimportant as the dust she cleans up daily. She believes hat Surplus’ need to learn their place and be grateful that they even exist. Her parents are wrong - they have to be? For 16 years thats all she’s known. But maybe Peter is right and Longevity drugs are bad, and the Authorities aren’t as righteous as they seem… Should a child ever be responsible for the actions of its parents? Already, an increasingly old population looks upon the young with increasing hostility and suspicion. What would happen if the old never ever died? These questions are what kept me on the edge of my seat, making this book such an engrossing read. I loved the suspense and tension, creative plot and vivid characters. The writing was flowing and action-packed. I strongly recommend reading this book and the others in the series. I think that children aged from 10-14 would enjoy this book most.
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 Imagine an world where you're an outsider, outcast and an intruder. Hostile glares and disdainful stares on the bus. Whispers and rumours in class spreading like wildfire behind your back. Ignorance and idiocy. They think you're inadequate, unimportant , irritable and incapable of ever fitting in. And you feel isolated, like your'e alone on an island. But you must survive in this brutal land. Be brave and learn to swim. Swim away from their mindlessness, their rude comments and attempts to taunt you.
Kasienka is from Poland. She grew up there and thats her true home, where her heart is. But Kasineka and her mum head for England to find their long lost father who abandoned them. She starts school and gets put into a lower class. Finding friends becomes problematic. She feels like an alien amongst them, she has to pay the price for being different. She comes across Claire, who torments her and makes her life even more of a misery. But Kasienka turns to the thing she loves to do most. Where she can escape and move into another world. Flow and twirl in happiness, away from bullies and away from school. She is free and can let go and this is where she feels truly at home. This is the type of books thats gets to your heart and soul and stays there. It teaches you the tough life immigrants face. This story is written in blank verse, giving it a free feeling and a different style to most books you read. Kanoro was my favourite character. Kanoro is a Kenyan doctor who lives in the next room to Kasienka and her mum. Kanoro provides a ray of light, love, wisdom and kidness to the Polish immigrants. Overall, I loved this book. The believable characters, the setting, the theme of refugees, all makes it a memorable and engaging book. I would recommend this book for children aged between 11-14. |
