Of Beast and Beauty

Gr 8 Up—Gem is a Monstrous who lives in the harsh desert environment outside the dome that protects the city of Yuan. Isra, blind princess of Yuan, is a Smooth Skin living under the dome's protection. Her safety is not assured, however, as she is being raised, in keeping with her people's tradition, as a sacrifice to guarantee the continued safety of Yuan. When Gem is captured and put to work in the garden where Isra spends much of her time, they develop a forbidden relationship. Can their love unite their peoples and break the curse requiring Isra's sacrifice? Themes of good and evil, honesty and betrayal, personal sacrifice for the greater good, true love and obligation, and, of course, what constitutes beauty or beastliness provide much food for thought and great points for class discussion. Julia Whelan does a fine job narrating. The subtle differences in her voices for the characters add interest and help listeners identify who is speaking.