Lizard Radio

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 20, 2015

Review

Recommended for cream. Unexpectedly dropped off by her non-conformist foster mother at CropCamp, Fifteen-year-old Kivali must make friends and navigate the dark undercurrents of the camp's purpose. In this alternate, dystopian world, gender is identified by a percentage. Those who score in the middle range are called benders and the SayFree Gov requires them to attend a camp by the age of 18 or risk being thrown in Blight, a city without government. Being a bender, Kivali has always been challenged to identify who she is, human or lizard, male or female, conformist or rebel and she relies on her special insight into nature, which she calls lizard radio, to navigate the harsh rigidity of her world. As she struggles to comply with the SayFree Gov's brain-washing demands at camp, she experiences first love and the trust of loyal friends. Schmatz provides well-developed characters and an intriguing plot that will keep readers pondering well after it is done. Complex issues about identity, gender, community expectation and free will are the main themes of this sci-fi/dystopian novel. Fans of the Giver, Hunger Games and the movie The Matrix will enjoy this complete package.

Overall Book Score: excellent