The Selection

Bibliographic Information
Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Type of Media: text
Publisher: Harper Teen
Copyright Date: April 24, 2012
ISBN: 978-0062059932
Genre: Science Fiction, Romance
Curriculum Ties: N/A
Reading Level: Lexile 680
Interest Age: 14+






Plot Summary
Every time the prince comes of age the kingdom of Illea holds a competition for the future queen. Welcome to the selection when girls from all levels of society can enter their name into a drawing where 35 girls will be randomly chosen to move into the castle in order to compete for the heart of Prince Maxon. America Singer is a five and she is in the midst of a forbidden love with a six when she gets chosen to be a participant in the selection. She very reluctant goes to the castle with the intention of making some money for her family before eventually dropping out the competition. Yet, as she starts to see more of who Prince Maxon is and learns more about the kingdom in which she lives, she becomes confused about what she wants.

Critical Evaluation
The book is written at a lower level than the intended age audience with the hope to appeal to some more reluctant or struggling readers. With high action, lots of drama, and a love story that is completely addictive this novel is a sure win for anyone who loves a good romance mixed with adventure. Cass does an amazing job with a plot line that keeps moving with twist and turns you never see coming. Her depiction of a 17 year old girl is spot on with emotions flying America tries to find out what she wants in life and who can be trusted as a true friend even during the heat of competition. All girls will relate to aspects of this story making it a perfect book for teenage girls.

Reader's Annotation
Heart throb Maxon will warm your heart as he tries to win over America, the least likely of the Selection participants.

Author Biography

"I am a graduate of Radford University with a B.S. in History. I grew up in South Carolina and currently live in Christiansburg, Virginia with my electrical engineer hubby, car-obsessed son, and princess-loving daughter. I'm a #1 New York Times bestseller, woohoo! I'm also a valued customer at my local cupcake shop.
Things I hate: When people fail to use turn signals, flying, salads.
Things I love: Office supplies, boy bands, desserts."

Cass, K. (n.d.). About. Retrieved from http://www.kieracass.com/about/
 

Book Talk Ideas

• Forbidden love
• Competition

Possible Challenges

• Violence
• Romantic Scenes

Defense File

Have the library's selection policy and the Library Bill of Rights ready to hand out

Access to honest reviews from trusted sources

Know the awards, if any, the book has earned

Understand the material so you can explain the use of the book as a good talking point for serious and sensitive issues

A lot of times people just want their concerns heard, so make sure you listen

If they are still persistent be able to offer them a reconsideration form

 
Reason for Inclusion
One of my personal favorite books to get lost in. America is a strong girl dealing with the same things every teenage girl deals with just on an emphasized scale. I love the aspect of relatability it lends to readers and it seems others agree as this book has a 4.5 star rating from over 3,400 reviews on Amazon. You can feel comfortable recommending this book to anyone who loves a good romance.