Danny Wright never thought he'd be the man to bring down the United States of America. In fact, he enlisted in the Idaho National Guard because he wanted to serve his country the way his father did.
When the Guard is called up on the governor's orders to police a protest in Boise, it seems like a routine crowd-control mission ... but then Danny's gun misfires, spooking the other soldiers and the already fractious crowd, and by the time the smoke clears, twelve people are dead.
From School Library Journal
Gr 8 UpPopular high school football player Daniel Wright loves his country, so the moment he turns 17, he joins the Idaho division of the Army National Guard. Daniel is looking forward to a bright future in Freedom Lake with his girlfriend JoBell at his side; he hopes to earn enough money from the Guard to help pay for auto tech classes and eventually purchase full ownership in his deceased father's garage. When his company is mobilized and sent to Boise to help maintain the peace between protestors and proponents of the Federal ID Card Act, Daniel never imagines that people would die, that he would be the cause of their deaths, or that his future-and the future of the United States-would forever be altered. Author Reedy's first book in a planned trilogy is an action-packed look at what could happen in an America where state and federal governments are at odds with each other. Set in a not-too-distant future, the book mixes patriotism with incredible realism, creating an all-too-possible pre-dystopia. Using the enactment of a controversial law as the catalyst, Reedy effectively places the audience in Daniel's shoes as he struggles with his feelings and actions in the aftermath of the riot, and it is this first-person perspective that will resonate with readers long after the thrilling final pages. Strong characters, a fast-paced narrative, and complex questions about what it means to be an American make Reedy's speculative novel a must-read.Audrey Sumser, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Mayfield, OH
From Booklist
Heres a unique premise that could become disturbing real. Danny Wright, 17, signed up for the Idaho National Guard, in part because his father died in the war. He has completed summer training, and until he graduates, his commitment will be minimal. Then the governor of Idaho gets into a squabble about sovereign rights with the president. Dannys unit is called up to quell a riot in Boise; when a rock hits him, he accidentally shoots a protester. Now, all hell breaks loose. As each sides position hardens, Danny is caught in the middle, wanted by the feds, and protected by the state. As the situation spirals out of control, Dannys choices become narrow and inevitable. Novelist Reedy adds length, if not always substance, as Danny tries to keep life normal with football, rodeo, and his devoted girlfriend. But Reedy does a very good job of presenting all sides opinions, especially through the tweets and news reports that end chapters. This has the dual advantage of giving readers an action-filled story that will also make them think. The dramatic ending promises more. Grades 8-12. --Ilene Cooper