Outside by Jennifer L. Holm

What worked:

The setting feels dystopian, as the characters live in a large mansion they call the Refuge. The kids don’t remember what happened, but the adults tell them that a Great Poisoning killed most of the people on Earth. Most of the characters haven’t ventured outside the Refuge because the Poisoned are lurking. The kids are taught the dangers of these infected humans and learn survival techniques in case they ever encounter one. However, Razzi remains curious about what she might find on the Outside. Readers will experience the shock she discovers on the Outside.

Razzi must have a heart transplant, and she develops subtle changes throughout the story. She hears a voice in her head that causes her to behave impulsively, and her hearing and eyesight become more acute. She’s especially attuned to nature, and she reacts strangely to her brother’s pet rabbit. Her parents and friends are confused by changes in her behavior, but they attribute it to puberty. Other traditionally peaceful animals seem to fear Razzi, and she’s even bitten on the finger. She envisions a greyhound in a cage and almost becomes obsessed with finding out what’s happened to it.

The plot addresses a couple of issues that may connect with many young readers. Razzi’s good friend Ollie dies from a terrible accident, and she often thinks about her life with him. Ollie was infatuated with the world outside the Refuge, and readers learn Razzi has developed the same curiosity. His death also makes Razzi the eldest child, and she’s expected to be responsible and perfect as the new First. The adults’ expectations are impossible to meet, and Razzi feels the pressure of being a role model for the younger children. Her fixation with the Outside, Ollie’s memory, and her behavioral differences cause her to make some irresponsible choices. Many readers will be the oldest kids in their families, and they can relate to the occasional unfairness that accompanies that role.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers may be curious about Razzi after the book ends. The changes she goes through after the heart transplant continue once the plot’s conflict is resolved. Do the urges and heightened senses continue, and do others still notice how they affect her personality? Razzi’s changes are the only element of science fiction in the book, which is confusing when reflecting on the overall story.

The final verdict:

Readers may have suspicions about what’s happening, but the plot’s resolution may still be a surprise. This book is reminiscent of a few other middle-grade books, but I recommend you try this one for yourself.