Books in the series Uglies

In a future world where everyone is born "ugly" and undergoes a mandatory operation at age sixteen to become "pretty," Tally Youngblood is counting down the days until her transformation. Becoming a Pretty means leaving behind the drab life of an Ugly for a high-tech paradise of endless parties and perfect looks. However, when Tally meets Shay, a rebellious girl who would rather live in the wild than conform to society's standards of beauty, Tally's perspective begins to shift. When Shay runs away to join a secret resistance, the authorities give Tally a devastating ultimatum: find her friend and betray her, or stay "ugly" forever.

Uglies is a gripping science fiction adventure that explores the pressures of societal expectations and the true meaning of beauty. It is a perfect choice for readers who love dystopian worlds like The Hunger Games or Divergent. Scott Westerfeld crafts a fast-paced narrative filled with hoverboards, secret societies, and moral dilemmas that will keep teens engaged from start to finish. This book is ideal for readers interested in themes of individuality, friendship, and standing up against an unjust system.

Highlights:

• A thought-provoking exploration of beauty standards and self-image.
• Thrilling action sequences involving futuristic technology and hoverboards.
• A compelling protagonist who must choose between her own desires and her loyalty to friends.
• The first book in a world-renowned series that defined the modern dystopian genre.

In Pretties, the thrilling second installment of the Uglies series, Tally Youngblood has finally achieved her lifelong dream: she is beautiful. Living in New Pretty Town, her days are filled with endless parties, high-tech gadgets, and a sense of total freedom. However, beneath the surface of this glamorous lifestyle lies a "pretty-minded" fog that keeps everyone compliant and shallow. When a message from her "ugly" past arrives, Tally is forced to confront the dark truth about the surgery that changed her body and her mind.

This gripping science fiction novel is perfect for children and teens who love dystopian adventures and stories about standing up against an oppressive system. Scott Westerfeld masterfully explores complex social themes like body image, peer pressure, and the importance of individuality. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in fast-paced action combined with thought-provoking questions about what it truly means to be yourself in a world that demands perfection.

Highlights:

• A fascinating exploration of a futuristic society obsessed with physical appearance.
• High-stakes adventure featuring hoverboards, secret messages, and daring escapes.
• Deeply relatable themes of identity, friendship, and the courage to be different.
• A compelling protagonist who must fight to reclaim her own mind and memories.

In Specials, the gripping third installment of Scott Westerfeld's groundbreaking Uglies series, Tally Youngblood has undergone the ultimate transformation. No longer an Ugly or a Pretty, she is now a Special—a genetically engineered, super-amped fighting machine designed to keep society in check. With enhanced strength, razor-sharp focus, and a cold, "icy" perspective, Tally is programmed for perfection. However, beneath the layers of military-grade modifications, faint memories of her past and her heartbeat remain, forcing her to question the very mission she was built to complete.

This high-stakes dystopian novel is perfect for readers who love intense action, complex moral dilemmas, and stories about rebelling against an oppressive system. Ideal for fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent, it explores deep questions about identity and what it truly means to be human in a world obsessed with physical perfection. Parents and teens alike will appreciate the thought-provoking social commentary on body image and the cost of societal harmony.

Highlights:

• A thrilling conclusion to Tally's initial transformation arc in a world-renowned dystopian setting.
• Explores complex themes of body modification, social control, and personal agency.
• Fast-paced action sequences and high-tech gadgets that will captivate science fiction fans.
• A deep dive into the psychological effects of being "programmed" versus following one's heart.

Extras is the thrilling conclusion to Scott Westerfeld’s groundbreaking Uglies series, set in a future where popularity is the ultimate currency. Years after the fall of the Specials regime, the world has entered a cultural renaissance where "face rank" determines your worth. Fifteen-year-old Aya Fuse is an "extra"—a nobody with a low rank—who is desperate to become a famous "kicker" by breaking a massive story. When she discovers a secret that threatens the stability of her high-tech world, she must decide if fame is worth the cost of global safety.

This fast-paced science fiction novel is perfect for children who love dystopian adventures and stories about the impact of social media and technology. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in exploring themes of identity, reputation, and the ethics of a surveillance-heavy society. Fans of the original trilogy will enjoy seeing how the world has evolved, while new readers will be captivated by the high-stakes drama and imaginative world-building.

Highlights:

• A fascinating exploration of fame, social media influence, and reputation-based society.
• High-tech gadgets and imaginative futuristic settings that will appeal to sci-fi fans.
• A strong female protagonist navigating the pressures of fitting in and standing out.
• A gripping plot filled with mystery, action, and ethical dilemmas.