Shift

by Charlotte Agell

Book Overview

In a powerful, thought-provoking, and by turns humorous novel, Agell uncovers the painful consequences of war and uncertain governments in an imagined--yet disturbingly realistic--world. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 080507810X
• ISBN13: 9780805078107
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
• Length: 230 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 13 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 8 to 12

Customer Reviews

Shift - growing up is hard, but what can you do? What will you do?

The story of Shift is so much more than the sum of its wonderful and intelligently drawn characters and their relational stories. Shift is a gift for the times we live in. Times of "heightened" security levels, code orange, the pain and joy of growing up, as a teenager, and as an adolescent country. What happens in your life when your world is unbearable? Can you make your own future? Do you want to try? If you are ready to accept the challenges, the hard things you will learn about yourself, your own history, the inventions created to protect you (by your real parents, and your figurative national parents), you may just be ready for the voyage told in Shift. It's a personal narrative of a teen who is wise, stubborn, fiercely independent, headstrong, leading with his heart - Adrian... he hasn't lost hope. He may represent the last hope for the future world Charlotte Agell has brought to life. These smart characters boldly take up their own role in the creation of "presence". This is a great book for adolescents of any age. I didn't want it to end.

A Different Kind of Wilderness

I think this book will appeal to many different readers, because there's so much packed into it. It's part adventure, part quest,and part futuristic fantasy. The plot includes missing persons, kidnappings, secret identities, cosmic signs, a climactic rescue, and more. Adrian, the main character and narrator, is someone you wish you could meet. As the book opens, his world seems kind of barren and bleak; you wouldn't want to live there, but you'd visit him if you could. One thing I liked about him was his fascination with oxymorons, and the book is full of them. It's both frightening and funny, it mixes reality and fantasy, and it's about finding and losing everything that matters - family, friends, faith, nature, even hope. It would be great to discuss in a group because it really makes you wonder.

A wonderful gift for the holidays!

My daughter is a high school math teacher and life-long reader. Every day she puts the book or books she is reading out where kids can see them. Shift has gotten by far the most interest and several kids--at a very busy time of year--have read it and reported back that they *loved* it. On her recommendation I read it too! It's holiday time and would make a great present for any teen (or adult for that matter) who enjoys considering our society's present and near future. Technically sci-fi, in that it takes place in the near future, it does not rely on elements of magic or anything overtly supernatural. For anyone who liked Little Brother (Cory Doctorow), Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins), The Wind Singer (Nicholsen), Lois Lowry, or in general, quest or survival stories. Wonderfully written and gripping. Highly recommended.

big questions, fun ride

Shift asks "what if?" and then dares to answer. It's a great book for kids who ponder the big questions and wonder about the future. Shift's world is dark, but there is hope. Our hero is a teenaged boy who stumbles into a situation where he might be able to prevent catastrophe. Add a penguin, quirky characters and a dash of romance, and you're in for a fun ride.

Guaranteed to Keep Even the Reluctant Reader Up Past Bedtime!

Shift is a fabulous "what if..." read. For young adults and those of us who can't call ourselves that anymore, it is an engrossing tale with quickly familiar characters and vivid locations. It is a story of the importance of love, understanding, and inclusiveness, both within a family and beyond. It is also a story of possible consequences in a world where these values are lacking. Shift is a book of double meanings, interesting literary references, and provocative ideas. Even the title has multiple interpretations. The book is an entertaining futuristic fantasy at the same time it is a searing criticism of current events. It challenges the reader while entertaining him; it repels him while grippng him. It might just be an important reality check for anyone who spends too much time in virtual worlds or too little time in serious thought. Or, it may just be a fun way for him or her to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon. I can't wait for the sequeal!