Building 903: a future of control without creativity

An intriguing opening that immediately invites questions of what happened to society? 

Electronics have taken over, nobody writes with their hands anymore. No stories exist, no playgrounds, no pets, no music or singing unless it's the anthem,  a continually surveilled society where people can be "taken away" and centenarians abound. Baby names were assigned a theme annually, only one world currency is used. There's quick corrective surgery from knee replacements to skin tightening. The leader who has been in power for decades runs unopposed and the voting age is raised to 27. Compulsory retirement at 100, except for the leader. Campaigning is illegal and punishments are tattooed to bodies. Everyone is rated by their cognitive abilities.  These are just glimpses into the world that Lois Lowry creates in her new book, Building 903. 

Set in the year 2099, this story focuses on the mysterious disappearance of one twin sibling, Theo, and the repercussions his absence has left his family, particularly for the remaining twin, Tessa. Tessa's 135-year-old neighbor may have some answers about where Theo went and when she leaves some clues with Tessa, the truth begins to be revealed.  Tessa must finally talk to her parents about the grief they all feel and try to find Theo before it's too late.

The main themes of the book are its greatest strengths:  censorship, activism, love and hope.  Each character presents another important facet to the story and without the cooperation of all of the characters, the satisfying conclusion would not be able to exist.  This story lends itself well to a book club or literature circle because each twist of the story needs to be discussed with other readers. From the very first page of the book the scene is set for a big reveal and Lowry does not disappoint!  

Much like her award-winning book, The Giver, and the rest of the series, this story will resonate with multiple generations of middle grade readers, teens and adults as they dive into the eerie, yet plausible world painted by Lowry.