74 pages • 2 hours read
Lisa McMannThe Unwanteds
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2011A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann follows Alex Stowe, an artistic teen in the authoritarian state of Quill, who is sentenced to death but finds himself saved and transported to the magical world of Artimé. There, Alex and other "Unwanteds" embrace their creativity under the guidance of Mr. Today, while tensions rise as Alex grapples with his bond to his twin brother, Aaron, who thrives in Quill.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Lisa McMann's The Unwanteds is praised for its imaginative blend of dystopia and fantasy, engaging younger readers with its creative world-building and relatable characters. However, some critics argue the pacing is uneven, which may disrupt immersion. Overall, it's a compelling start to a series promising adventure and conflict in a vividly crafted universe.
Who Should Read The Unwanteds?
Readers who enjoy suspenseful, imaginative, and dystopian tales like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games will be captivated by Lisa McMann's The Unwanteds. Ideal for middle-grade to early young adult readers, it combines magic and adventure with themes of creativity, making it perfect for fans of fantasy and speculative fiction.
RecommendedReading Age
8-12yearsLexile Level
880L