A girl named Jinx (that’s her nick-name) and her family are living through a time called the new depression. Two political parties called the Spark and the Opposition run against each other in an unfair election won by the Opposition. The Opposition claims they can end the new depression. Jinx’s mom left her paranoid dad after making them do survival drills every weekend and Married Jay. Jay has two kids, Makenna and Tony. Life pretty much goes on until a federal bank is bombed with Jinx, her little brother, Charles, and Makenna in the building next door. They make it out okay, but they soon learn that federal buildings all around the country were attacked. Even worse, all evidence points to Jay’s computer! Jinx, Charles, and Toby are on the run from the Government, who might have more sinister plans for Jay.
I liked the fact that the book included a lot about the Government. I could connect today’s government of Democrats and Republicans to the Opposition and the Spark. The conflicts were also similar to ones now like taxes, etc. One downside for me though was that the beginning was a bit confusing and hard to grasp. I didn’t know anything about the characters or who was related to who and I thought the author could have done better introducing them. There were also some dull or boring parts. I did like, however, how the author described all of Jinx’s emotions and pain. It made me feel all of the strong emotions she did and it let me get to know her better.
One memorable thing for me was the bond between Jinx and Charles. Jinx would do anything for Charles, even risk her own life for him. It was like Charles meant everything to her. The fact that family meant so much to the characters in this book really stuck with me. I think it teaches a good lesson that family is everything.
Reviewed by Sophia, Twin Hickory Library
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