The Unwanteds
by Lisa McMann
Read if you're interested in faith, spiritual growth, or books for young adult.
This dystopian novel follows thirteen-year-old Alex Stowe, who is deemed 'Unwanted' in a totalitarian society that eliminates children who show signs of artistic creativity. He and other Unwanteds are sent to the 'Death Farm,' only to discover a magical, vibrant hidden world where they are trained to hone their creative talents and eventually confront their oppressive society.
- — Explores themes of creativity, individuality, and the inherent value of every person, reflecting God's unique creation of each individual.
- — Highlights the importance of courage, perseverance, and standing up against oppression and injustice.
- — Emphasizes the power of community and mutual support in overcoming adversity.
- — The magical elements and spells, while central to the fantasy world, are not presented within a Christian worldview and could be problematic for some readers.
- — The concept of a 'magical' solution to problems, even in a fantasy context, may subtly detract from the Christian understanding of divine intervention or reliance on God's power.
- — The rebellion against authority, though justified within the story's context, lacks nuance regarding biblical principles of submission to governing authorities (though tempered by the understanding of unrighteous rule).
Christian readers, especially young adults, can engage with 'The Unwanteds' as a work of fiction that promotes good values like creativity and courage. However, parents and readers should be mindful of the significant magical elements and the inherent conflict with a purely biblical worldview concerning supernatural powers.
“Christian readers, especially young adults, can engage with 'The Unwanteds' as a work of fiction that promotes good values like creativity and courage. However, parents and readers should be mindful of the significant magical elements and the inherent conflict with a purely biblical worldview concerning supernatural powers.”
- —Explores themes of creativity, individuality, and the inherent value of every person, reflecting God's unique creation of each individual.
- —Highlights the importance of courage, perseverance, and standing up against oppression and injustice.
- —Emphasizes the power of community and mutual support in overcoming adversity.
- —The journey of self-discovery and finding one's purpose can resonate with a spiritual search for meaning.
- —The magical elements and spells, while central to the fantasy world, are not presented within a Christian worldview and could be problematic for some readers.
- —The concept of a 'magical' solution to problems, even in a fantasy context, may subtly detract from the Christian understanding of divine intervention or reliance on God's power.
- —The rebellion against authority, though justified within the story's context, lacks nuance regarding biblical principles of submission to governing authorities (though tempered by the understanding of unrighteous rule).
- —The 'Death Farm' and the underlying premise of child elimination are dark themes that could be disturbing for younger or more sensitive readers.
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