A parent might reach for this book when their child is beginning to question rules and authority, showing an interest in fairness and the world beyond their immediate experience. 'Plagues and Federation' is a science fiction adventure set in a future where Georgie, an orphan, lives in a walled city supposedly protected from a deadly plague. When she discovers the ruling Federation may be lying, she escapes into the wilderness to uncover the truth. The story powerfully explores themes of resilience, bravery, and questioning what you are told. It's an excellent choice for middle-grade readers (9-13) ready for a thought-provoking dystopian story that isn't as intense as young adult fare like 'The Hunger Games'.
The story addresses the loss of parents (they were 'sent to the plagues', a euphemism for their removal). It also tackles themes of government propaganda, oppression, and environmental neglect. The approach is secular and frames these issues within a sci-fi context. The resolution is hopeful on a personal level for the protagonists, who find freedom and a new family, but the larger societal conflict with the Federation remains unresolved, providing a realistic, thought-provoking conclusion.
Ideal Reader
This is for the 10 to 13-year-old who devoured 'The City of Ember' and is ready for a story that makes them think. It's perfect for a child who is starting to develop a strong sense of justice, questions the 'why' behind rules, and enjoys rooting for an underdog fighting a powerful system. They likely enjoy adventure and stories with secrets to uncover.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold as its world-building is clear and accessible. A parent may want to be prepared for conversations about why governments or people in power might lie to the public, and whether it's ever acceptable to break rules for a greater good. The theme of parents being taken away is handled gently but might be worth a brief, reassuring chat for more sensitive children. A parent might notice their child expressing frustration with rules they see as unfair (at home or school) or showing a new awareness of global issues like government control or environmentalism. The child might say things like, 'But that's not what they told us!' or 'Why do we have to do it this way?'.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will likely connect most with the friendship and survival adventure: the escape, building shelters, and outsmarting the authorities. An older reader (11-13) will more deeply engage with the political subtext, analyzing the Federation's propaganda, the ethics of their control, and the environmental themes woven throughout the narrative.
What Makes It Special
Set in Australia, this book offers a unique environmental backdrop that distinguishes it from other dystopian novels. It serves as a perfect bridge between younger middle grade sci-fi and more intense YA dystopia. Its focus is less on violent revolution and more on the personal courage required to seek the truth and deconstruct a lie.
Read plot summary
In a futuristic, controlled Australian Holding, Georgie is an orphan whose parents were lost to the plagues raging outside. Life is sterile and dictated by the ruling Federation. When her friend Tosca is targeted for 'relocation', they orchestrate a daring escape into the forbidden, supposedly contaminated wilderness. Outside, they encounter the 'wild ones' and discover that the plagues are a lie, a tool of control used by the Federation to maintain power. The story follows their journey of survival as they unearth the conspiracy and find a new community built on truth.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The Federation used the fear of plagues to control everyone. Can you think of a time when fear made you, or someone you know, follow a rule without questioning it?
2
Georgie and Tosca had to break a lot of serious rules to find the truth. Do you think their actions were justified? Why or why not?
3
When Georgie finally meets the 'wild ones,' they are very different from the stories the Federation told. Why is it important to hear from people directly instead of believing rumors?
4
At the end, Georgie finds a new community. What makes the community of the wild ones different and better than the one inside the Holding?
