Outside

If Razzi ever thought that going outside was attractive, Ollie’s death stopped that cold. When he died, Razzi became First, in charge of and the example for all the other younger kids. A quick health check revealed that Razzi needed a heart, and through breakthroughs in science and medicine, her body accepts a heart from a greyhound. Soon after her recovery, she notices that she doesn’t like chocolate, wants to chase the new family pet, and now loves ham. She also needs to go outside, to follow a close connection to a dog she’s never seen. Making a plan, she packs her bag and stows away on a supply run. What she finds, what she learns, will change how she views the world and the walls of The Refuge that kept her hidden away.

Shedding some disbelief is necessary for this tale, where Razzi takes on greyhound characteristics, but it is a perfect segue for young readers to young adult writers like Neal Shusterman and Suzanne Collins. The story is thrilling, adventurous, and mysterious, defying genre designations. Similar to Alone by Megan Freeman, this one is perfect for reluctant readers and thrill seekers. A real page turner.