Shelly's Book Blog

The Declaration, by Gemma Malley, describes a dystopian civilization where most people take "longevity" drugs that allow them to live forever. In this sci-fi society of the year 2140, only people who "opt out" of taking the drugs are allowed to have children. Any child born to someone taking the drugs is deemed illegal and is sent to live at an orphanage-type institution called a surplus house. Surplus children are taught that they are totally worthless and that their very existence is a sin. Their best hope is to learn to be a "valuable asset" and work as a servant to a "legal." The main character, Anna Covey, lives in a surplus house headed by a bitter, cruel woman named Mrs. Pincent. In the beginning, Anna prides herself on following the rules and wants very much to become a valuable asset. However, things change when Peter arrives. Anna begins to see that she deserves better, and she and Peter plan to escape. From then on the story becomes very exciting. This is one I read aloud to my boys, and we are looking forward to starting the sequel, The Resistance.