by Fiona Smyth
Annick Press, 2011
255 pages (illustrated)
This debut graphic novel by cartoonist and illustrator Fiona Smyth is set in the future in a world where no new babies are being born; the youngest children are fifteen and the aged population of the "oldies" is dying out. With no new citizens, the world will surely die out in a generation. Geneticists and scientists are working fervently to find a solution to this dilemma including finding a safe way to clone humans.
Friends Xian, Mia, and Jesse stumble upon an sixty year old mystery of a missing teenager and a series of tunnels under the city. When they find strange symbols and graphitti, they know they are onto something. Government bots are tracking their progress, and government agents are searching Xian's house and computers.
When Jesse's mother is questioned by the authorities, the kids go into hiding staying just a couple of steps ahead of the agents. What they discover will change the world as they know it.
Exciting and visionary, The Never Weres is a great graphic read. Artwork is compelling and just plain fun. Each layout has so much going on, that readers will want to slow down and study the art. There is great cultural diversity; the three friends represent various ethnic groups and citizens are diverse and unique.
There is one problem in my mind: old computer flash drives or USB drives are found and the characters make fun of them, calling them old-fashioned and joking how ancient the technology is, yet characters still talk on cell phones. If USB drives and PCs are old fashioned, wouldn't cell phones be outdated as well?
Highly recommended for graphic collections grades 7-up.
No language, no sex.
FTC Required disclaimer: I received this books from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.
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