Unwind

Unwind is a curiously thought out novel. Initially when I read the plot for the book it didn’t interest me but once I started reading I was hooked. I finished it in one afternoon!

Unwind begins as a story centered around three young teenagers who are about to be “unwound” or sent off to harvest camp so that every inch of their body can be taken and given to someone who needs it; this way the teen does not technically die, they are allowed to live through others. This gives the parents a sense of peace as they sign away their children’s’ bodies.  The three teens are on the run from the police so they will not be forced to go to harvest camp. Each teen is completely different. We have Connor, the runaway, Risa, a ward of the state, and Lev, the 13-year-old kid who feels honored to be unwound. We follow these teens on their journey to anywhere but harvest camp. Along the way they lose characters and gain new allies. Through risky decisions and close calls this book is truly a page-turner!

As a teacher I would have the students research what organ and body part harvesting is before you read so that they may understand the harsh idea that this book possesses. I would use this novel in a 5^th grade and up level. The language and point of view is simplistic but the idea of sending your own child to harvest is a bit gruesome.

Although the books are two completely different ideas I feel like it would really pair with The Hunger Games. Both novels focus on teens and young adults trying to escape the harsh reality that has been placed upon them by adults. By having the students read both these novels I think the dystopian futuristic, post civil-war world could really become interesting to them. The students could compare and contrast the two worlds along with the ideals and attitudes of the characters.

Unwind has a sequel called Unwholly. This series would be a great read if your students enjoy Unwind. I started the second book and it’s already hard to put down! There has been talk of a film adaption coming in 2016. However, there has been a short film made on YouTube.