Unwind

Neal Shusterman's "Unwind" plunges readers into a chilling near-future America where a compromise to the abortion debate, "The Bill of Life," allows parents to have their children between 13 and 18 "unwound." This process dismembers the child for organ donation, with the twisted justification that since 99.44% of the body is used, the child isn't technically dead. The story follows three teens: Connor, a rebellious delinquent; Risa, an orphan unwound to cut costs; and Lev, a "tithe" raised for religious sacrifice. Brought together by chance, they embark on a harrowing cross-country journey, constantly evading "Juvey-cops" and the terrifying harvest camps. This thought-provoking novel explores profound ethical questions about life, identity, and humanity, making it a powerful read for mature middle-grade and young adult readers.

In a society where unwanted teens are salvaged for their body parts, three runaways fight the system that would 'unwind' them.? Perfect for fans of THE HUNGER GAMES. Unwinding: the process by which a child is both terminated and yet kept alive. Unwinding is now a common, and accepted, practice in society. Connor's parents want to be rid of him because he's a troublemaker. Risa has no parents and is being unwound to cut orphanage costs. Lev's unwinding has been planned since his birth as part of his family's strict religion. Brought together by chance, and kept together by desperation, these unlikely companions make a harrowing cross-country journey, knowing their lives hang in the balance. If they can survive until their 18th birthday, they can't be harmed - but when every piece of them, from their hands to their hearts, is wanted by a world gone mad, eighteen seems far, far away... "Gripping, brilliantly imagined futuristic thriller… The issues raised could not be more provocative - the sanctity of life, the meaning of being human - while the delivery could hardly be more engrossing or better aimed to teens."Publishers Weekly, starred review "A thought-provoking, well-paced read that will appeal widely"School Library Journal, starred review "A breathless tale turning pages for teenage boys, as it challenges not just where life begins and ends, but what it means to be alive." Educ8 magazine "a powerful, shocking, and intelligent novel... It's wonderful, wonderful stuff." The Bookbag "This is the kind of rare book that makes the hairs on your neck rise up. It is written with a sense of drama that should get it instantly snapped up for film." The Times Also by Neal Shusterman: Everlost Everwild Everfound UnStrung Unwholly Unsouled Undivided