Revis, B. (2010). Across the Universe. Razorbill. ISBN: 9781595143976. 398 pages. $17.99.
Author Website: http://www.bethrevis.com/
Reader’s Annotation: When Amy is broken out of her cryogenic drawer, she is forced to remain awake for the rest of the journey across space with a boy named Elder as her only friend.
Summary: On the way across space to a new planet called Centauri-Earth, Amy is maliciously awaken from her cryogenic sleep. She is not able to be put back into the frozen state so now she must stay awake the rest of the 75 year journey. Her parents remain frozen as they are vital to the beginning a new way of life on Centauri-Earth. She has few friends aboard the ship, except those deemed insane. Everything on the ship is regulated by the Eldest. Elder, a boy of about eighteen, is the next in charge of the ship. Everyone on the ship is mono-ethnic, being they all look the same. Amy, with her bright red hair, has a difficult time fitting in. After spending time with Elder, Amy begins to question life aboard the ship. The history books in the library are telling false history stories and no one seems to know much about anything. Amy begins to tread where she shouldn’t and the Eldest is not about to let her ruin life on the ship.
Reading Level: Grades 8 and up
Interest Level: Grades 9 and up
Review and Evaluation: I love science fiction books that take place in space. That is a very rare thing in teen fiction today. What’s even more interesting is that Revis took the idea of the dystopian trend and placed in on a spaceship. The Elder is definitely following the oppressive government cues found so often in the genre. Also, the cover of the book resembles a romance novel which I think is a disservice to the book. The romance in this book is not overwhelming and certainly not the main plot line. I feel like boys may pass up the book because it looks like it will appeal more to girls. The paperback cover is more gender neutral.
Across the Universe did start a bit slow for my taste, but it certainly picked up once Amy and Elder began to uncover a few secrets. The book is full of great twists and turns.
Subjects/Genres: Death, Dystopian, Mystery, Rape, Romance, Science Fiction, Toxic Adults
Bibliotherapeutic Uses: Across the Universe is a great recommendation for those feeling out of place. Amy has to try to find a friend in a place where her murderer could be hiding around any corner.
Controversial Issues:
Rape/Sexual Content – The passengers of the ship go through a mating season in which random people have sex. Amy is not aware of this is is almost raped.
- Defense – The sexual content is not gratuitous and it is stated that it was the result of a medicine given by orders from the Eldest.
Booktalk Ideas:
What would it be like to colonize a new planet?
Imagine you are cryogenically frozen and then someone tried to kill you by unfreezing you? What would you do? Who would you trust?
Awards and Booklists:
- ALA Teens’ Top Ten Nominee (2012)
- Abraham Lincoln Award Nominee (2014)
Readalikes:
- Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
- Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund
- Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
- Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder
- The Comet’s Curse by Dom Testa
Professional Reviews:
Kraus, D (2010). Across the Universe (book review). Booklist, 15 December 2010.
Staff review (2010). Across the Universe (book review). Kirkus, 1 December 2010.
Staff review (2010). Across the Universe (book review). Publishers Weekly, 257 (46).
Why I Chose This Book: I really enjoy books about space travel. I thought this was an interesting combination of space travel and dystopian.
Young Adult Controversial Titles 