The Line

From the publisher:

The Line
by Teri Hall

"An invisible, uncrossable physical barrier encloses the United States. The Line is the part of the border that lopped off part of the country, dooming the inhabitants to an unknown fate when the enemy used a banned weapon. It's said that bizarre creatures and superhumans live on the other side, in Away. Nobody except tough old Ms. Moore would ever live next to the Line.

Nobody but Rachel and her mother, who went to live there after Rachel's dad died in the last war. It's a safe, quiet life. Until Rachel finds a mysterious recorded message that can only have come from Away. The voice is asking for help.

Who sent the message? Why is her mother so protective? And to what lengths is Rachel willing to go in order to do what she thinks is right?"

This is kind of a beginner dystopian book for those who are interested in The Hunger Games, but whose parents want them to wait on that one.  It starts slowly, but the action picks up.  It is a very disturbing world where the government has supreme control over everyone.  All the history lessons that Rachel's mom gives her on how the government became so powerful bogs things down a bit, but it is worth it in the end.  There is a slight romance.

No swearing, a little violence and mention of a rape - not graphic.

Suggested ages:
Booklist - Grades 5-8
Publishers Weekly - Ages 12 +