The Knife of Never Letting Go

   Ness, P.  (2008).  The knife of never letting go.  Boston, MA:  Candlewick Press.

This dystopian thriller is about a young boy named Todd that grows up in a world with noise.  Because of the noise germ on New World, men’s thoughts can be heard by everyone else at all times. As Todd comes closer to his thirteenth birthday, the time when he will be a man, his world begins to change.  He is forced to leave the home he knows and is on the run for his safety. Along the way he meets a young girl that crashed on the New World planet. Together they race away from the army that is searching for them.  Todd learns that the life he has known is full of lies and he must figure out the truth. This is a fast-paced thriller that I couldn’t put down. This book was so different and unique.  I couldn’t wait for Todd to have Viola or someone, read his mother’s journal to him! This book is a great example of having a unique plot as well as an original setting.  The author had to describe the New World as well as the language and society.
This book could be used with grades 9-12.

To see a great discussion guide for this book, click HERE!