The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

The Chosen One
by Carol Lynch Williams

Young Adult
224 pages, hardcover
Target Reader: 14+

St. Martin's Griffin
978-0312555115
Release Date: May 12, 2009



From the publisher:

Thirteen-year-old Kyra has grown up in an isolated polygamous community without questioning her father’s three wives and her twenty brothers and sisters. Or at least without questioning them much—if you don’t count her secret visits to the Mobile Library on Wheels to read forbidden books, or her meetings with the boy she hopes to choose for herself instead of having a man chosen for her.

But when the Prophet decrees that Kyra must marry her 60-year-old uncle—who already has six wives—Kyra must make a desperate choice in the face of violence and her own fears of losing her family.

The Chosen One is a heart-rending account of Kyra's struggle. She loves her family very much—that's obvious in her story. But like all teens, she is trying to find her own way between what she was taught as a child and what she truly believes.

Written in first person, present tense, this story is intense. The voice is strong, the writing absolutely wonderful. The characterization is clear and brilliant and completely believable. While not suitable for younger readers, due to some brutal violence, I think mature sixteen year olds and above will be able to handle it and will draw from it strength and hope in facing their own life challenges.

This book was a well-deserved Whitney Award winner of 2009 Best Youth Fiction. In my opinion, it's Newbery material.



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Content Ratings

Language: I think there is some mild swearing, but I can't remember. The book was so captivating that I forgot to pay attention.

Violence: The church leaders beat Kyra and it's described in real time. A baby is punished for crying by being dunked in a bucket of ice water.

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Values/Themes: This book is about choice and finding your own way; standing up for what you believe is right.

Age Appropriate: 14 seems a little young to me, but 16 and up would be fine with this book.

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