Revived by Cat Patrick will be a nice addition to a high school classroom library. The book focuses on a secret government program and the unintended consequences of never dying, of always being revived.
I model reading whenever I can at school. For instance, I’ll stand in the hall and read a book during passing periods. Oftentimes, I blindly grab a book, read, and set it back on the shelf. That was the situation with Revived by Cat Patrick.
Only I couldn’t put it back on the shelf. I needed to finish it. The first chapter grabs readers.
As I work on young adult book reviews, I knew I had to share this book with my blog readers! Revived is the perfect addition to your high school classroom library or science fiction lit circles.
Plot (spoilers!)
Revived centers on Daisy, a sophomore who has died multiple times. She lives with Mason and Cassie, government employees who are part of the covert “Revived” operation. Mason and Cassie serve as Daisy’s parents, and her relationship with each guardian differs. To other teens at Daisy’s school, Cassie is a SAHM, and Mason is a psychologist. Really, they work out of the basement with secretive computers.
Daisy has died multiple times. Allergic to bees, Daisy relies on her EpiPen and Revive to stay alive. After every “death,” Cassie, Mason, and Daisy move to a new state. Other government agents arrive in the previous town to sweep their house and plant appropriate rumors.
After her recent move, Cassie meets a friends who needs Revive and a boyfriend who learns about the government program. The book touches on themes of friendship, safety, and loss.
Classroom Library
Many students would enjoy reading Revived by Cat Patrick. I have it in my classroom library and used it for First Chapter Friday once. However, students interested in certain topics might gravitate toward it.
Students who find conspiracy theories and spies interesting will enjoy the government secrecy weaved throughout the book. Not to ruin the story, but not all government agents have humans’ best interests in mind.
One of the characters has terminal cancer, and the interactions with her are not forced or contrived. Students who have friends with terminal or chronic diseases will relate to the characters.
Finally, each time Daisy’s “parents” revive her, the family moves since the town and school now believe Daisy is dead. Students who frequently move will relate to the process of telling a home goodbye, creating a new room, struggling with identity, and starting a new school.
Revived is a fun and fast read. Daisy “dies” in the first chapter, making this book perfect for readers who need a hook. Young adults will enjoy not knowing how Daisy’s life will change from page to page.
Are you interested in more young adult literature book reviews? Check out How I Resist, Red Queen, and The Grace Year.
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