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Synopsis
Unwind is a 2007 science fiction novel by young adult literature author Neal Shusterman. It takes place in the United States in the near future. After the Second Civil War or the Heartland War, was fought over abortion, a compromise was reached, allowing parents to sign an order for their children between the ages of 13 and 18 to be unwound—taken to "harvest camps" and having their body parts harvested for later use. The reasoning was that since 99.44% of the body had to be used, unwinds did not technically die because their individual body parts lived on. In addition to unwinding, parents who are unable to raise their children to age 13 for retroactive abortion have the option to "stork" their child by leaving it on another family's porch. If they don't get caught, the "storked" baby then becomes the other family's responsibility.
Tags
Is Unwind (Unwind Dystology) appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 15 and up.
Parents should know this book deals with the disturbing concept of teenagers being harvested for body parts as a compromise after a war over abortion. The premise involves institutional violence against minors and explores profound ethical questions about life, death, and body autonomy.
What to know going in
This book has strong violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include child harm, death, and body horror (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will find this a gripping, thought-provoking thriller that challenges them to think about life, choice, and what it means to exist.