The Bibliophile's Bookshelf

This month’s Saturday Spotlight theme is Friendsgiving! I love books that have wonderful friend groups, so I am sharing some of my favorite bookish friend groups this month!

The first book I am sharing is The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann. The Unwanteds is definitely one of my favorite book series, and one I have loved since middle school. It has such an interesting premise and world, but the characters are truly where it shines.

There are many different friend groups in this series, which makes it even better. We have our main friend group: Alex, Lani, Samheed, and Megan. But we also have this wonderful adult/advisor friend group, a friend group of young adults, a friend group of Aaron and three old scientists. All of these friend groups are amazing and I love the diverse representation of friendship!

Every year in Quill, thirteen-year-olds are sorted into categories: the strong, intelligent Wanteds go to university, and the artistic Unwanteds are sent to their deaths.

Thirteen-year-old Alex tries his hardest to be stoic when his fate is announced as Unwanted, even while leaving behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted. Upon arrival at the destination where he expected to be eliminated, however, Alex discovers a stunning secret–behind the mirage of the “death farm” there is instead a place called Artime.

In Artime, each child is taught to cultivate their creative abilities and learn how to use them magically, weaving spells through paintbrushes and musical instruments. Everything Alex has ever known changes before his eyes, and it’s a wondrous transformation.

But it’s a rare, unique occurence for twins to be separated between Wanted and Unwanted, and as Alex and Aaron’s bond stretches across their separation, a threat arises for the survival of Artime that will pit brother against brother in an ultimate, magical battle.