Bibliographic information:
Westerfeld, S. (2005). Uglies. New York: Simon and Schuster/Pulse. ISBN-13: 9780689865381
Plot Summary:
The story takes place in a post apocalyptic setting. The governments of the cities mandate that a person must undergo drastic plastic surgery at the age of 16 so that they become pretty. This is done to grant equality in terms of physical beauty to everyone. Those who have not had the surgery, those under 16 are called ‘Uglies’. Tally is an adventurous teen who is about to undergo the surgery. On one of her adventures she meets up with Shay, a girl who has the same birthday and is also about to be turned into a ‘Pretty’. Shay decides to escape from the city because she does not want the surgery. She runs away to a place called The Smoke, assisted by David, another ugly who helps people escape. The government finds out about Shay running away and questions Tally. They tell her that they will withhold Tally’s operation unless she goes to The Smoke using instructions Shay left her, and signal when she reaches it so that the government can put an end to the rebellious ugly city. Tally wants to be pretty so badly she agrees to go.
Tally has a number of adventures following the cryptic instructions left by Shay, but eventually arrives at the smoke. She holds off on signaling/transmitting for the government, and finds herself becoming a member of this breakaway community. Tally is conflicted and does not know what to do. She is also falling for David and becoming aware that the operation she so long sought after is not right. She makes her decision and there are dire consequences and a number of other adventures which result from it.
Critical Evaluation:
Uglies is a very original story and is well-told. It is so much more than a science fiction adventure story, and has a few deep themes that run through it. The ideas of self image, government control, adapting to new environments, the human relationship with nature, love, friendship, loyalty, rebellion, and a dozen other important themes are present. On a lighter level, it is a good adventure story and there is plenty of action to keep the story running along at a quick pace. Westerfeld does a good job and does not leave any holes in the plot or back story. There are plenty of gadgets to attract the science fiction fan, but it does not solely rely on science fiction gimmicks. This is the first part of a series and the reader wants to rush out and get the second part as soon as they are finished with this part. Teens would certainly find the plot, themes, and pace attractive. There are also not many overt challenge issues which makes the story fairly acceptable for younger readers.
Reader’s Annotation:
In a world where beauty is everything, Tally has her possibility of becoming pretty threatened and must go on a mission which changes her whole way of thinking.
Information about the author:
Scott Westerfeld has a number of New York Times notable books to his credit. Almost all of his works are written for a young adult audience. He was born in Texas in 1963 and was married in 2001. Scott and his wife split their time living in U.S. and Australia.
Westerfeld is a prolific writer and is possibly best known for the works of science fiction which he writes for a YA audience. He is possibly best well known for his series, the Uglies series, the Succession series, and the Midnighters series. Peeps and Uglies have both made the Best Books for Young Adults list. A number of his stories have been considered for film production.
Genre:
Science Fiction
Curriculum Ties:
N/A
Booktalking Ideas:
1. Discuss the idea of image as it is portrayed in the book and how this impacts the plot.
2. Focus on which group seems to be happiest, the Smokies or the city folk.
3. Center a discussion on the conflicts present in Tally throughout the story and how these come about.
Reading Level/Interest Age:
13+
Challenge Issues:
None
Challenge Defense Ideas:
Should a challenge arise:
1. Read the book.
2. Be Familiar with the policy of the ALA and your institution.
3. Make a note of the contents of the work and how they fall in with the collection development policy of your institution and the standpoint of the ALA.
4. Gain an awareness of the awards, reviews, and criticisms of the work, as well as other works by the same writer.
5. Know the process for materials challenges at your library
Why did you include this book? :
I heard so much about this book and I enjoyed Peeps so I thought I would add one more title by this author.
Author’s Blog:
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