The Pretties

Bibliographic Information: Westerfeld, S. (2005). The pretties. New York: Simon Pulse. ISBN: 9780689865398

Plot Summary:

In this sequel to The Uglies, Tally Youngblood has been surgically transformed from an “Ugly” to a “Pretty” and her life is seemingly flawless; perfect body, parties every night, perfect friends, and endless amounts of fun.  She has found her clique in a group called the “Crims” because of her previous lifestyle of criminal type behavior.  Tally’s old friends Shay and Peris are also members of this clique, along with Zane, the leader of the Crims.  As Tally gets to know Zane more and more, they together uncover Tally’s past, which will change both of their futures.  Tally slowly starts to remember her life in The Smoke and Zane unveils his deepest desires.  What Tally and Zane discover about their lives as Pretties and why it is so perfect will send them searching for answers.  Shay and Peris struggle with their own desires as they watch Tally and Zane team up together to unveil the many secrets that surround them.

Critical Analysis:

Scott Westerfeld continues the story from The Uglies Trilogy by giving us a glimpse into a world that seems perfect in every way.  As Tally describes her daily activities, it seems ideal to be surrounded by such perfection; including ones’ own body.  Isn’t that what we all want?  Westerfeld touches the heartstrings of many with this idea of perfection, especially physically.  It is only as Tally discovers the true sacrifice that such perfection has brought, do we see that it may not be worth it after all.   As the story unfolds we are wrapped in Tally’s love triangle as well as the deception of the government, both of which require Tally to listen to her own heart to tell her what is right; and important lesson for everyone.

Reader’s Annotation: When everyone is so beautiful and perfect, can anything go wrong?

Information about the author: Scott Westerfeld had published eighteen novels including the uber-successful Uglies series.  He has been a ghostwriter for many famous writers, and he also wrote three Powerpuff Girl choose your own adventure books. Outside of books he has written music for downtown New York Dancers.

    Westerfeld and his wife, Justine Larbalestier split their time between New York and Australia, residing in each respective location during its summer season.  He has worked as a factory worker, substitute teacher, textbook editor, and software designer (Westerfeld, n.d.).

Genre: Science Fiction. Dystopian

Curriculum Ties: English (literature)

Booktalking ideas (one or two):

1. Life as a Pretty.

2. What would you sacrifice for perfect looks?

Reading level/Interest age: 14+

Challenge Issues: This novel contains violence, self-mutilation, rebellion, and underage drinking.

To defend challenged material I would:

1.    Read/watch/listen to the material to become familiar with the content.

2.    Familiarize myself with the Arizona Common Core curriculum standards http://www.azed.gov/azcommoncore/teacher/ to defend how the material can support the learning of these standards.

3.    Refer to the Library Bill of Rights: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill

4.    Refer to the collection policy of my library.

5.    Collect reviews from staff/students/patrons who have used the material

Why I included this book: This book is the second installment to Scott Westerfeld’s popular Uglies series.  Young adult patrons who enjoyed The Uglies will certainly want to pick up a copy of The Pretties to continue their journey with Tally in her perfect, or not so perfect, world.

References:

Westerfeld, S. (n.d.) About the Author. Scott Westerfeld. Retrieved 7 May 2013 from

    http://scottwesterfeld.com/about-the-author/.