Away by Megan E. Freeman

What worked:

The conflict is unclear early on so readers are left to wonder what’s happening. The characters are evacuated from different parts of Colorado due to an imminent threat. The National Guard, government, and news reports don’t share specific details so the characters are left to wonder. They don’t know if there’s been a nuclear accident, terrorist attack, or some other major incident. Characters, and readers, will create their own truths in the absence of facts. Guessing and speculation will keep readers mentally engaged as the plot slowly unfolds into an unbelievable mystery.

Teddy and Harmony are the easiest characters to follow as their narratives aren’t in verse. Teddy is obsessed with movies and decides to film the evacuation and life in the relocation camp. He plans to eventually make a documentary although he’s not sure if it will be about the evacuation or the unexplained reason for it. Teddy’s narratives are written as movie scripts and share his experiences with other characters. Harmony wants to become a reporter so her narratives are presented in two different formats. She writes articles for her school, and later a zine, and she pens letters to her aunt, an international reporter. Her articles inform readers about events in a more factual manner while her letters offer observations, questions, and other thoughts.

Everyone has his/her own story and the characters’ subplots are shared in different ways. Grandin’s story is told in verse and it infuses his emotions. He enjoys his life on a farm and he helps his father deliver a baby calf in the early entries. His story becomes more emotional when his father defies the mandatory evacuation and sneaks off before he can be taken away. Grandin and his mother are left wondering what’s happened to him. Ashanti’s mother is a doctor and sets up a clinic in the relocation camp. Ashanti also wants to become a doctor and she’s frustrated that ineffective schooling in the camp will keep her from getting into the best colleges. Her narrative is shared in verse too and includes the strong emotions she’s experiencing. Teddy is very smart and he’s angry about the poor schooling too although readers don’t discover his self-imposed pressure until later. Harmony’s experience as a reporter helps the group formulate a strategy to uncover the truth. Interestingly, Grandin is probably the quietest character but his rash decision changes the direction of the story.

What didn’t work as well:

The story format takes getting used to as it’s a blend of verse, news articles, movie scripts and storyboards, and news bulletins. The different forms of writing communicate information in different ways which is frustrating as the book opens. Readers try to make connections and get a sense of the text while trying to understand how the story has been written.

The final verdict:

Adjusting to the story’s unique format is worth it as the plot builds to a gripping climax. The young characters draw inspiration from “The Wizard of Oz” and the flying monkeys lead to an impactful resolution. An unbelievable conspiracy awaits and I recommend you give this book a shot!