- Best of All Worlds
- By Kenneth Oppel
- Publisher: Scholastic Press
- Release date: June 3, 2025
- ISBN: 9781546158202
13-year-old Xavier “Zay” goes with his dad and pregnant step-mom to their lake cottage for a typical family holiday, until they wake up the next morning in a replica of the cottage on a goat farm with not a soul around them. They do not know exactly how they got there, but that there is some sort of dome around them, and sometimes are gifted supplies or animals by their unseen captures. Three years later a new family appears, and now 16-year-old Zay is excited at the prospects of being around a girl his age, however the family is led by a conspiracy theorist who will do anything to get his family free, even if that means harm to Zay and his family.
The novel immediately puts the reader on edge with a thick atmosphere of suspense and danger. Zay is a relatable character for teen readers as he navigates forced farm life during his teen years. The social commentary that comes with the new family appearing might seem a little a little heavy handed at times, but adds to the story and makes it one that leaves the reader thinking about it long after finishing it in one setting.
Fans of this read will enjoy Dry by Neal Shusterman and This Moth Saw Brightness by A. A. Vacharat as well.
-Molly Dettmann
Want read more? Check out our Quick Picks Review of Best of All Worlds here!
The Selected Lists teams read throughout the year in search of the best titles published in their respective categories. Once a book is suggested (either internally or through the title suggestion form), it must pass through a review process to be designated an official nomination.
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