Far on the new planet known as The New World lies Prentisstown: a place where boys become men at 13 and they can hear each others' thoughts- known to locals as "Noise". Noise is caused by a germ on the planet referred to as Spackle. On the eve of his 13th birthday Todd Hewitt discovers an area of silence which now forces him to run for his life. His attempt to find a sanctuary leads him on journey that may be his last. When he finally reaches Haven, a town that was supposed to protect, he arrives just in time to find those hunting him take control. When we read sci-fiction there is the understanding that we will suspend belief for the contents of that book. It is true that man has never colonized another planet and that the ability to read minds is fictitious but the idea that there is a struggle for children on the cusp of adulthood is very real. Young readers can connect with the idea that they aren't quite prepared for what lies ahead. There are some elements to this story that might not be appropriate or be difficult for young middle school readers to comprehend and this book is not recommended for those under the age of 14.
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