Fake

Fake is Ele Fountain's latest title aimed at the middle grade reader. This story is set in a future that appears to be not too distant from our own. There is much in the lifestyles of the various characters that will be relatable to readers. It is, however, not just another boarding school scenario. There is a dystopian element to this story. Fountain explores how our future may look in a world where antibiotic resistance has become a matter of life and of course, death, and where society has become insular, reliant on the internet for all aspects of living.

Children grow up fearing illness and injury, which is why we meet our protagonist, Jess, aged 14 attending school for the first time. There are rules and norms amongst the teens, which generally revolves around virtual reality, a great deal of internet shopping, acquisition of 'stuff' and the latest fads. Jess does not fit here. She has mixed with other children, played outside, explored the local countryside and understands old tech. She also has a forbidden secret. When her family is suddenly 'deleted', she discovers what it is to be an invisible member in a digital society, and how pervasive and controlling is the reach of the computer algorithm. Who can she trust?

This book would appeal to middle grade readers exploring the dystopian genre, written with a light touch, and those who enjoy mystery friendship stories. Suitable for confident Y5 readers through to Y8.

256 pages / Reviewed by Jan Blagden, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 9+