Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Star Split

Star Split is by Kathryn Lasky. A disturbing, but thought provoking, tale of the dangers of cloning. Set in the third millennium, Darci is a Genhant, a genetically enhanced human. Everyone she knows is genetically engineered; "Originals" are few and outcasts from society. They go to a different school, study a different curriculum, and are not allowed to associate with Genhants. The gravest sin in the Bio Union is the unauthorized cloning of individuals. This crime is punishable by death for the offenders and all "copies". At a climbing camp Darci meets her "copy". She and Vivian are terrified realizing what this could mean for their families and themselves. Lasky's writing can be somewhat more technical than some readers would prefer, but her discussion of the dangers of cloning and what it could mean for humanity if taken to the logical extreme is frightening. An excellent way to introduce younger readers to Huxley's Brave New World.

Ratings: 8th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (very mild profanity).

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