The Compound

The Compound, by S.A. Bodeen

ISBN:  9780312578602
New York : Feiwel and Friends, 2008

Plot - Eli's father has saved them all--a nuclear bomb as hit near Seattle and, thank heavens, Mr. Takanaki has a huge, fully equipped living space for them all to rush into, with a time lock on the massive door to keep them safely hidden for 15 years until the air is acceptable to breath "up top."  The only problem right away is that Eli's twin brother, Eddy, and their grandmother have been left behind, unable to get to safety soon enough.  Eli and his sisters have all they could want, though, supplied by the copious amounts of money and time his father has spent in anticipation of their need.  Eli is spoiled with all the music and digital entertainment he could dream of, a personal gym to work out in (as he's nine when the enter, his father knew teen years were coming), and Eli acts like it.  He's selfish and brooding at times, but sometimes he doesn't just brood on his own misfortune in the face of not having what he wants.  Sometimes he can't help but doubt the reality of what's been happening to him and his family for six years underground and under the complete control of his father.  Slowly, the situation begins to deteriorate for the group--food becomes scarce, light sources are on the fritz, and Eli's dad really seems to be losing it.  When Eli finds his brother's laptop and accidentally discovers an Internet connection, his fears are increased exponentially, if not completely confirmed.  Eli's family's need turns from surviving an external disaster to surviving the reign of terror that his father is revealed to be running.  They must get out, and Eli must grow up enough to help his mother and sisters escape.

Critical Evaluation -  This fun ride moves like lightening once it's about one third of the way through.  Eli's character, really a pretty spoiled kid, is developed thoroughly through the first part of the book, without much in the way of plot movement.  Though, in retrospect, the reader will remember tiny hints placed around Eli and his world when we first get to know him.  The other characters are round enough to make a good story, but not memorable in and of themselves.  Once Eli discovers the outside world is actually there and in good shape, the story takes off into terrifying and unexpected directions.  The finish is breath-taking.

Reader's annotation - What would you do for 15 years locked underground after a nuclear bomb destroys your city?  On the other hand, what would you do if you thought your dad had way too many secrets locked away with you and your family underground for 15 years?
Information about the author - S.A. Bodeen is a YA and children's author who loves to read YA distopian novels more than any other genre.  She grew up in a very conservative style in a small school, and loved to read Stephen King novels, which she had to sneak in to the house. She's also a huge science fiction fan, and loves X-Files reruns.  She believes firmly that characters need flaws to be revealed right off the bat in a story in order to make them realistic, the more heroic the character, the more she wants to reveal his or her imperfections first.

Genre - YA sci-fi fantasy/distopian fiction

Curriculum Ties - none
Booktalk ideas - 

1. Read pg. 13-14, where Eli describes not being "Dad's biggest fan."  Begins to plant doubts in the listeners' minds, and fears of the big, crazy dad.
   
2. What could someone possibly do to assure that forever there would be enough food in a completely locked, underground compound?
   

Reading level - 14+  The text is certainly readable before 14, but what with the cannibalism references and scary dad violence, I would edge into the older teen realm with this one.  Fun and engaging through high school.

Challenge issues - references to cannibalism, violence

Challenge defense ideas:

• Librarian must read the book carefully and include it as a resource intended for older teens.
• Librarian greets students and regularly discusses their reading choices; she provides individualized, age-appropriate guidance in book choice.
• Explain the ways in which the librarian accompanies and guides younger students looking for books, and knows students well as individuals.

Why I included this book - It's an award winner, recommended by NovelList, having won many state library awards, as a debut novel, and having been chosen as one of ALA's Quick Picks for Young Adults.  Other than attesting to the quality of the writing and how truly breathtaking the plot becomes, I assume the awards also reflect how much fun it is to see Eli mature into a hero.  It's not all wild successes and selfless acts of heroism being a teenage boy, and sometimes the ones you least expect it from turn out to save the day.