The Chosen One

Title: The Chosen One
Author: Carol Lynch Williams
Published: May 2009
ISBN: 0312555113
Price: 16.95
Genre: realistic fiction
Reading Level: 3rd grade
Interest Level: 8th-12th grade
Awards: Amelia Bloomer List- Young Adult Fiction, YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, YALSA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults: Sticks and Stones, YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
Plot Summary: Kyra is part of a religious polygamist cult called The Chosen Ones. Their community is isolated from the real world so Kyra spends most her time with her family. Being part of a polygamist family means that Kyra has 1 father, 3 mothers and 20 siblings, with 2 on the way. Kyra is the second oldest sister but due to development issues with her older sister Emily, Kyra acts as the oldest sister. Their cult is overseen by the Prophet, whose word is law. The Prophet that proceeded him allowed families to venture out of the community and allowed more freedom. But things things have changed a lot since the new Prophet took over and not in a good way. Kyra uses books, which are banned, to escape. She meets the book mobile out on the road and gets books from the library that she hides and reads in her favorite tree. One day the Prophet tells Kyra she is to marry her much older uncle who already has many wives. Kyra can't understand how this can be. She is in love with a young boy her age and thinks it's wrong for the Prophet to force her to marry not only a much older man but her uncle as well. Kyra can't hide from this problem nor can she go against the Prophet. But what will Kyra do, what can she do?
Review: I found Williams story to be a fast and engaging read. It could have easily been written as a one sided story that condemns polygamy but Williams really presents the topic in a more dimensional and complex matter. You are able to see the love and support that is in Kyra's family. Kyra loves her father, siblings and mothers. The story shows that her religious cult was not always so oppressive. Kyra talks about how they used to read together and venture into the real world. The story focuses more on how the current Prophet becomes cruel, manipulative and corrupt. I think Williams points out how these types of religious groups can easily become oppressive and dangerous to those involved. The fear that the members feel is obvious by Kyra's father who struggles with protecting his daughter and then risking the safety of the rest of his family. I think the most difficult part of the story was the death of Patrick. It is then in the story that the absolute corruption is obvious. 
Reader's Annotation: Kyra has never questioned her families religion but when her religious leader demands that she marry her much older uncle Kyra feels trapped. 
Bibliotherapeutic usefulness: The story exposes the dangers of religious cults and following a leader blindly. It shows just how easily these families were manipulated into allowing a religious leader to control every aspect of their lives. While most teens will never be exposed to such a cult it they may gain some insight into the importance of freedom and choice.
Issues:  Some may feel that the story is trying to slander certain religious beliefs or practices. While the story never says anything about Mormomism some may feel that it could be attributed to the Mormon religion since some sects of the religion do practice polygamy. The book also has some intense violence such as Kyra being beaten by the Prophet. There is also the issue of the cult killing and abusing babies. The scene in which they hold Kyra's babysitter under water for crying may be very upsetting to some. The cult leaders killed members of the community and even kill non members like Patrick. The portrayal of a polygamy family as loving might also bother those who feel that polygamy is wrong.
Book Talk Ideas: 
Main Themes: polygamy, religious cults, family, corruption, violence, abuse
Read-alikes: Leaving Fishers by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Author Website: http://www.carollynchwilliams.com/
Professional Reviews: Publisher's Weekly
Kirkus Reviews
Why this book was chosen: This book has huge appeal to reluctant readers with it's gripping and emotional storyline. The reading level is not difficult but the themes and issues presented in the book allow for lots of discussion and reflection. Also, this book presents the issues without being slanderous or one dimensional.