Plot Summary:
Independent Study is Charbonneau's follow up to The Testing. Independent Study begins with Cia receiving her placement in the University. Cia is particularly talented in mechanical engineering and hopes to be placed in that school and is disappointed to learn she has been placed in the government school, while her boyfriend Tomas has been placed in the bioengineering school. Cia does not have her memories of the testing, but she does has the recordings she made before the testing officials wiped her memories, but she is afraid to believe that these recordings could be true. Could the university really be responsible for the deaths of so many students? Would they really send students into unrevitalized area with the intention to kill one another? As she tried to excel in her new area of study, Cia can no longer ignore the things she sees and the terrifying recordings she made. Determined to uncover the truth of the University and Dr. Barnes program, Cia puts herself in more danger than she realizes trying to gather information for the rebels.
Critical Review:
While The Testing was a bit derivative of other dystopian novels, such as The Giver and Divergent, Independent Study is wholly original. Charbonneau has created a future that seems peaceful and prosperous, but underneath is terrifying. Charbonneau not only explores the idea of government control, but also the value of education to society as a whole. Dr. Barnes believes only the best and most determined students should receive an education at the university and go onto be the future leaders of the country creating a group of followers to take over the government. Cia sees the value of education to everyone and how it can be used to improve the lives of those in the colonies. The last book in the trilogy promises action and rebellion on behalf of the students that is hinted at in Independent Study.
Genre:
Science Fiction
Dystopian
Reading/Interest Level:
Grades 6 and up
Similar Books:
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth
Author's Website:
http://joellecharbonneau.com/
Book Website:
http://www.hmhbooks.com/thetestingtrilogy/
*Book to be published January 2014, review of advance copy.
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