Written by Amy Christine Parker
Think Jim Jones with a little happier ending. This is a book about desperate people being swindled by a very charismatic man they call Pioneer. The main character, a teenage girl with a questioning heart, wants very badly to believe he is a good man, but after spending a little time with outside influences she becomes alarmed at the lies and deception. I thought this book was very well written and very timely. Pioneer ruled with fear – both of being punished for not following the rules of the community, and fear of the outside world. I would imagine it is very much how those of the Jim Jones tragedy or Ruby River or any of the other cult like communities that have sprung up over the years kept their followers in line. A very thoughtful topic.
Review by Kaydean Judy, Granger High School Media Center
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 9-12
Author Website: www.amychristineparker.com
Gated
Written by Amy Christine Parker
Random House
384 pages
Release Date: August 6, 2013
ISBN: 9780449815977 (hardcover)
