Stolen Voices is thrilling Science Fiction for young adults, suitable for ages 10 and up; explores concepts such as conformity, self-expression, caste systems, and social structures; extremely well suited for classroom and book club discussions.
Life in Noveskina is designed to be harmonious and conflict-free. But 15-year-old Miri, daughter of two of the city’s Important Officials, faces a shameful dilemma. She has matured with no clear Talent and thus faces life among the lower-classes. As Miri is confronted with the dark secrets of Noveskina, the quiet peace of this once-perfect world reveals itself as something infinitely more sinister. In a city ruled by silence, can one voice make a difference?
Extras:
Curriculum Links for Stolen Voices
Free Teachers' Guide / Lesson Plan
Accelerated Reader Quiz from Renaissance Learning
“... reminiscent of Lowry's The Giver... Great cover art will draw readers, and a quietly moving story with just enough quirks and surprising developments will keep them reading. This provides quite a treatise on power, conformity, and the common good." – KLIATT, Nov. 2007
“... lyrical language that creates electrifying sounds and visuals ... uncovers the problems in a puppet-mastered utopia ... definitely a page-turner that will keep readers captivated ... Recommend it to teen girls struggling with their identity and teachers looking for a fresh glimpse of a society in which free will has been removed.” – School Library Journal,March 2006
“An excellent piece of science fiction ... I hope you can get your hands on a copy. Rated: ESSENTIAL – every library of the appropriate level should have this book on their shelves. First priority for purchasing no matter how small or large your budget is.” – Cindy Mitchell, President, Utah Educational Library Media Association
“... the author's multi-layered development of the notion of voice and verisimilitude helps make this a strong first young adult novel.” – ForeWord, Jan. 2006
“A stunning high energy conclusion makes readers yearn for the next book.” – genrefluent.com, Jan. 2006
“... Miri’s trials are sure to resonant with most anyone who has ever struggled to live up to their promised potential. This story breathes with a rich harmony that leaves the reader captivated up until the last page." – teensreadtoo.com
“Beneath this coming-of-age tale are dark issues of power and control, conformity and rebellion, individual welfare and common good. Ellen Dee Davidson has created a compelling and sometimes frightening world.” – Elizabeth Creith, author and reviewer for Canadian Children's Book News, Aug. 2005
“Female teens hungry for a hip coming-of-age story will find it difficult to resist opening the captivating cover ... appropriate for female reluctant readers with an interest in science fiction and the theme of self-discovery ...” – VOYA, Oct. 2005
“... [an] evocative young-adult novel, a fantasy/SF hybrid mixing a post-holocaust dystopian atmosphere ... the mood is effective and the conclusion satisfying.” – Locus, Aug. 2005
“Set in an intriguing fantasy world ... a compelling story that will strike a chord with many readers – a young person's struggle to define herself and courageously make a difference.” – Pamela F. Service, author of The Reluctant God
“... Davidson creates a future world that is provocative, intriguing and eerily contemporary in its drive to silence the individual voice ... A well-crafted and beautifully told story, Stolen Voices is a book that teens, who are faced with the ultimate question of 'Who am I,' won't be able to put down.” – Mary Nethery, author of Mary Veronica's Egg
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Shortlisted, American Library Association Amelia Bloomer Project, honoring feminist books for youth (2006)
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Selected, International Youth Library White Ravens catalogue of outstanding children's & young adult books (2006)
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Author interviewed on local NBC affiliate, KIEM Channel 3; book featured in quarter page ad in Eureka Reporter
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Book included in YALSA “YA Galley” Program