74 pages 2 hours read

Lisa McMann

The Unwanteds

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2011

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann follows Alex Stowe, an artistic teen in the authoritarian state of Quill, who is sentenced to death but finds himself saved and transported to the magical world of Artimé. There, Alex and other "Unwanteds" embrace their creativity under the guidance of Mr. Today, while tensions rise as Alex grapples with his bond to his twin brother, Aaron, who thrives in Quill.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Lisa McMann's The Unwanteds is praised for its imaginative blend of dystopia and fantasy, engaging younger readers with its creative world-building and relatable characters. However, some critics argue the pacing is uneven, which may disrupt immersion. Overall, it's a compelling start to a series promising adventure and conflict in a vividly crafted universe.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Unwanteds?

Readers who enjoy suspenseful, imaginative, and dystopian tales like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games will be captivated by Lisa McMann's The Unwanteds. Ideal for middle-grade to early young adult readers, it combines magic and adventure with themes of creativity, making it perfect for fans of fantasy and speculative fiction.

RecommendedReading Age

8-12years

Lexile Level

880L

Book Details

Genre

Fantasy

Children's Literature

Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction