The Unwanteds

A riveting middlegrade dystopian novel from New York Times bestselling Wake author Lisa McMann that Kirkus Reviews calls "The Hunger Games meets Harry Potter."

Every year in Quill, thirteen-year-olds are sorted into categories: the strong, intelligent Wanteds go to university, and the artistic Unwanteds are sent to their deaths.

Thirteen-year-old Alex tries his hardest to be stoic when his fate is announced as Unwanted, even while leaving behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted. Upon arrival at the destination where he expected to be eliminated, however, Alex discovers a stunning secret--behind the mirage of the "death farm" there is instead a place called Artime.

In Artime, each child is taught to cultivate their creative abilities and learn how to use them magically, weaving spells through paintbrushes and musical instruments. Everything Alex has ever known changes before his eyes, and it's a wondrous transformation.

But it's a rare, unique occurence for twins to be separated between Wanted and Unwanted, and as Alex and Aaron's bond stretches across their separation, a threat arises for the survival of Artime that will pit brother against brother in an ultimate, magical battle.

Author: Lisa McMann
Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks
Published: 08/30/2011
Pages: 400
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.04lbs
Size: 8.46h x 5.84w x 1.32d
ISBN: 9781442407688
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.7
Point Value: 11
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 146290 / Unwanteds


Award: Beehive Awards - Nominee
Award: Maine Student Book Award - Second Place
Award: Great Stone Face Book Award - Nominee
Award: Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award - Nominee
Award: California Young Reader Medal - Winner
Award: Mark Twain Readers Award - Winner
Award: Golden Sower Award - Nominee
Award: Volunteer State Book Awards - Nominee


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 04/15/2011
Publishers Weekly 07/18/2011
School Library Journal 08/01/2011 pg. 111
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 10/01/2011
Shelf Awareness 09/02/2011
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2012 pg. 77 - Recommended, Satisfactory

About the Author
Lisa McMann lives in Arizona. She is married to fellow writer and musician, Matt McMann, and they have two adult children. Her son is an artist named Kilian McMann and her daughter is an actor, Kennedy McMann. Lisa is the New York Times bestselling author of over two dozen books for young adults and children. So far she has written in genres including paranormal, realistic, dystopian, and fantasy. Some of her most well-known books are The Unwanteds series for middle grade readers and the Wake trilogy for young adults. Check out Lisa's website at LisaMcMann.com, learn more about The Unwanteds Series at UnwantedsSeries.com, and be sure to say hi on Instagram or Twitter (@Lisa_McMann), or Facebook (Facebook.com/McMannFan).