ISBN: 978-0439806114
Publisher: Scholastic Trade
Genre: Science Fiction
Age Level: 12+
Reader’s Annotation: Tally is certain once she turns 16 and becomes Pretty that her life will be absolutely perfect. When she meets Shay, who challenges all that pretty means Tally must choose to become a Pretty and realize all her dreams or face up to what being Pretty really means.
Summary: Tally can’t wait to turn 16 and get Pretty. Once she’s pretty she’ll be able to attend all the hottest parties, have the best friends and gorgeous boyfriends. Shay, on the other hand, has other thoughts. What’s wrong with slightly crooked eyes and imperfect skin? Does everyone really have to look exactly the same? The only escape is to run away into the Wild and survive as an Ugly forever. When Shay runs away and Tally follows, she learns the truth about what it means to be a Pretty. Unknowingly tracked, Tally is forced to decide to turn Shay in and become a Pretty, or remain silent and stay Ugly.
Evaluation: The first in a series of 4 books, Uglies creates a world where beauty is challenged for the cost it exacts. This series will quickly become the classic canon in YA literature. A great title that challenges the way you think.
Author Info: Acclaimed author.
Booktalk Ideas: Would you have plastic surgery if you could? Even if you lost something of yourself?
Selection: I always love to re-read Uglies. It gets better each time.
