Review: Above World by Jenn Reese

Title: Above World
Author: Jenn Reese

Publication: Feburary 12, 2012 

Publisher: Candlewick

Source: Library

Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy

Audience: 10+

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Synopsis: 
Thirteen-year-old Aluna has lived her entire life under the ocean with the Coral Kampii in the City of Shifting Tides. But after centuries spent hidden from the Above World, her colony’s survival is in doubt. The Kampii’s breathing necklaces are failing, but the elders are unwilling to venture above water to seek answers. Only headstrong Aluna and her friend Hoku are stubborn and bold enough to face the terrors of land to search for way to save their people. 

But can Aluna’s warrior spirit and Hoku’s tech-savvy keep them safe? Set in a world where overcrowding has led humans to adapt—growing tails to live under the ocean or wings to live on mountains—here is a ride through a future where greed and cruelty have gone unchecked, but the loyalty of friends remains true.

My Thoughts: Aluna is a determined girl. She trains in secret and loves to swim for hours. When the necklaces Aluna's people use to breathe begin to fail and no one provides answers Aluna sets out to find a solution. On her journey Aluna makes unlikely friends and ruthless enemies. Untold truths about her society and it's origins are revealed. Aluna must decide what actions need to be take to save her people. 

This is a super cute read that Middle Graders will love. Each character is easy to identify with. The world Jenn Reese has created shows how our society can be in the future and problems that could be faced.