The Unidentified by Rae Mariz

The Unidentified by Rae Mariz is about Kid, a typical high school student who goes to school at a very atypical place. It's an old shopping mall, converted to "The Game". In the game, students earn points by playing different games and competing in a variety of arenas. There are very few adults seen in the game because the students are all monitored by video cameras and through their game cards, which they swipe before entering each of the different areas. Kid's best friend Ari wants nothing more than to be "sponsored" by a commercial company so that she can earn free clothes and extra game points, and she is constantly working at being noticed. Kid, on the other hand, works hard to not be noticed. However, Kid caught the attention of two sponsors when she was the first to post a video and comment on a mysterious incident that took place in the common area of the game. Someone pushed a human-sized dummy off the balcony, causing its balloon head to splat on the cement floor. On the dummy was the phrase, "Choose your Suicide". The people behind this display were only known as the unidentified. Kid is desperate to find out more about this group and their reasons for their public displays. But, it's becoming increasingly difficult for her to investigate because of her corporate sponsors. It seems as though they know every bit of information Kid discovers and are using it against her and the unidentified. The closer Kid gets to finding the truth, the more dangerous it becomes for her, her family, and her friends.

This was a really interesting book! I loved the futuristic, but completely realistic, way the author shows how technology is so pervasive. Students at the game communicate almost constantly using their intouches and notebooks. I also liked the modern twist on schooling. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good science fiction story!