Separate the parts, is there still a whole? Unwind by Neal Shusterman

     Shusterman has hit a bulls-eye with Unwind. The reason I attempted to read it for a 2nd time was due to the rave reviews of students.  What a book for adults to read, too!   
     Shusterman poses questions about advances in technology & medicine, right & wrong & grey areas, the "essence" of a person, life & death, and role of government and authority. There may be more, too, that I've forgotten!
    Connor - the Akron AWOL, and runaways Risa and Lev are teens who are destined to go to the Chop Shop - they will serve the needs of others by "donating" their body parts.   However, upon stumbling upon the help of an underground support system, they fight the forced end to their lives, and it's no easy task.
     Together, they influence each other to think for themselves, stand-up for their individual rights, and help each other to do what is right, even if there is potential for failure or loss.
     Like so many other novels and authors, Unwind defies the stereotype of literature geared towards 15-22 year olds.
     I have encountered many people in the world of education who consider young-adult literature to be "less than" - not high-quality, well-written material that challenges students vocabulary, belief systems/philosophy, ability to think abstractly, analyze and synthesize, or material to which young-adults can relate.
     This novel could be used in a myriad of ways, engaging higher-order thinking, questioning, and writing, and relating to many facets of "real life" for students. 
     May this book get in the hands of many students and adults.