How We Became Wicked by Alexander Yates

HOW WE BECAME WICKED by Alexander Yates is exciting and suspense-filled. Set in the future, this dystopian science-fiction story is told primarily through the eyes of three teens: Astrid and Hank who live in Goldsport and Natalie who lives on Puffin Island. Their surroundings have been totally transformed by the spread of a plague called Wickedness – human victims become infected through the sting of mosquito like singers or by touching another infected human. A very few people, like Astrid and Natalie, are “vexed” or immune to the disease. Those who are still “true,” including Hank and the residents of Goldsport, must live in self-contained communities and take precautions such as wearing special suits if they venture out.  Of course, a substantial part of this novel is devoted to world building and character development, but that adds to its richness and to some very surprising twists. Be aware that there are a few horrific scenes and strong emotions in this novel. Along the way, though, readers will be asking themselves about the nature of right and wrong and who truly is wicked (e.g., the imprisoned grandfather or his family/captors?) and why. 

HOW WE BECAME WICKED received starred reviews from Booklist and Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books and it could be an engaging independent read for students taking our Good and Evil English elective. This novel will be particularly enjoyable for any readers who like science fiction and survival stories – once started, it is hard to put down.  

Added: If this all sounds a little too far-fetched, see "The Mosquitoes Are Coming for Us" which coincidentally just appeared in The New York Times.