The Chosen One

Thirteen-year-old Kyra Carlson lives in an isolated polygamist community ruled by a man known as The Prophet. Her father has multiple wives and over twenty children, and the community follows strict rules including restrictions on reading and personal choices. Kyra harbors two forbidden secrets: she reads books from a mobile library and has fallen in love with a boy named Joshua. Her world shifts when The Prophet decrees she must marry her sixty-year-old uncle who already has six wives. Faced with an impossible choice between obedience and freedom, Kyra must decide whether to accept her community's demands or risk everything to forge her own path. The story follows her struggle to reconcile her loyalty to family with her desire for independence. This young adult novel explores themes of religious control, personal autonomy, and the price of freedom. Through Kyra's perspective, the narrative examines how faith and tradition can both unite and divide families.

Readers call this book gripping and emotionally intense, with many finishing it in one sitting. The story resonates with those interested in religious fundamentalism and child marriage. Readers appreciate: - The authentic portrayal of life in a polygamous compound - Strong character development of 13-year-old Kyra - Fast pacing that builds tension - The accessible writing style for young adult readers Common criticisms: - The ending feels rushed and unresolved - Some plot points strain credibility - Limited depth in supporting characters - Too dark/heavy for younger YA readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (15,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (180+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 Sample reader comments: "Couldn't put it down but wished for more closure" -Goodreads reviewer "The protagonist's voice rings true" -Amazon reviewer "Important topic but may be triggering for some teens" -School librarian on Common Sense Media

Sister Wife by Shelley Hrdlitschka A teen in a polygamous community confronts her arranged marriage while questioning the beliefs of her isolated religious sect.

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes A girl escapes from a cult after twelve years, dealing with the aftermath of indoctrination and physical trauma.

Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix A young girl discovers her 1840s village is a modern-day replica controlled by outsiders who observe the inhabitants.

Keep Sweet by Michele Dominguez Greene A fourteen-year-old girl in a fundamentalist Mormon compound faces marriage to a much older man while uncovering dark secrets about her community.

The Natural History of Us by Rachel Harrison Two teens from a strict religious background struggle with family expectations and forbidden love within their controlled community.

🔸 The real-life inspiration for this novel came from news coverage of the 2008 raid on the Yearning for Zion Ranch in Texas, a compound belonging to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 🔸 Author Carol Lynch Williams has written over 30 books for young readers and teaches writing at Brigham Young University, bringing unique insight to stories about religious communities. 🔸 The mobile library depicted in the book reflects actual bookmobiles that served remote communities in the American West, providing access to literature for isolated populations throughout the 20th century. 🔸 Polygamy was officially banned by the mainstream Mormon Church in 1890, though some breakaway sects continue to practice it, with estimates suggesting 30,000-60,000 people currently living in polygamous communities in North America. 🔸 The book received the Association of Mormon Letters Award and was named to the ALA Best Books for Young Adults list, highlighting its significance in addressing challenging cultural and religious topics for young readers.