Genre: Dystopian Fiction, YA Fiction
Key Stage: Year 9+ (recommended for 14 years and up)
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dead to You by Lisa McMann (2012)
Plot: In Dead To You, the reader follows and experiences the confusing and miracle return of a young boy who was abducted years earlier.
Nine years ago, Ethan was kidnapped from outside the front of his house while playing with his little brother. He was seven years old. Now, as a 16-year-old boy, he reunites with his ‘family’ whom he has no memory or recollection of. He tries hard to remember, but he cannot. The family try to reunite and forget that Ethan was ever abducted, they try to pretend that everything is perfect when really it is not. After two weeks of news reporters coming and going, the FBI and police show up at the Dewilde residence. After nine long and miserable years of being the ‘lost child’ and subsequently, trying to settle back into his supposed family, it all breaks down: Ethan was never Ethan…
Who I would recommend this to and what to read next: I strongly recommend this book to everyone! It was a thrilling yet emotional read and it really does capture readers. As you go along with the story, you also get to experience the emotional roller coaster Ethan and the Dewilde family face. This book is one of my favourites! I strongly recommend this book and believe there should be more books like this one!
Reviewer: Rimute, Year 8