Away

After an imminent yet unnamed danger forces people across Colorado to leave their homes, a group of kids, including an aspiring filmmaker and a budding journalist, find themselves in the same evacuation camp. As they cope with the aftermath of having their world upended, they grow curious about the mysterious threat.

As they begin to investigate, they discover that what they’re being told is less truth and more cover-up. Can they get to the root of the conspiracy, expose the bad actors, and bring an end to the upheaval before it’s too late? 

Away puts the spotlight on four characters—Ashanti, Harmony, Teddy, and Grandin. Each character has a unique voice and aspirations. Harmony, a student journalist, admires Nellie Bly and frequently refers to her. Harmony and Teddy, an aspiring filmmaker, team up to uncover the real reason they were evacuated. The two also have help from Ashanti and Grandin. The four teens come from different backgrounds, which provides readers with a broad view of the effects of the evacuation.  

When readers begin the book, they may have difficulty adjusting to the format. The story includes sections from each character’s perspective, which are labeled with different typefaces. The story also features news briefs, letters, screenplays, and plot descriptions. Ashanti often references the Greek gods and The Odyssey, which may confuse readers unfamiliar with Greek mythology. The characters’ stories merge when they arrive at the military base where they are being quarantined, and this is when the story becomes more intense and interesting.  

Each character brings something unique to the story. For example, Grandin’s family owns a farm and he aspires to attend West Point, while Ashanti wants to be a doctor. The characters’ aspirations are admirable, and readers will relate to each person’s worries. As the teens work to uncover the truth, they are forced to ask themselves difficult questions such as, “What’s the difference between a protest and a riot? Does the Bill of Rights still apply in an evacuation camp? During a statewide emergency? Can protestors be arrested and/or charged?”  

Although the beginning of the book is confusing and there are many plot holes, Away will appeal to middle-grade readers, especially those interested in movies and journalism. Away is the companion novel to Alone; however, each book has a separate plot that doesn’t intertwine, so they can be read in any order. 

Away encourages readers to persevere in their goals, just like the characters in the book. In addition, the teens discuss historical events and people who made a significant impact on the world due to their determination. For example, it is mentioned that Nellie Bly said, “Energy rightly applied and directed will accomplish anything.” Even though the characters are teens, they use their voice to shed light on the evacuation camp’s hidden purpose. Teddy reminds readers, “Anyone who says art can’t change the world never studied history.”  

Sexual Content  

• None

Violence  

• None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

• None 

Language  

• When Harmony’s mom is out past curfew, Harmony is “pissed.”
• Crap and holy crap are both used once. 

Supernatural 

• None 

Spiritual Content  

• Ashanti often mentions Greek gods and other deities such as “Apate goddess of deceit”, and “the goddess Nemesis.” For example, at swim practice Ashanti stands “in front of mom / like Tethys the water goddess.” 
• The residents are told they may have been exposed to “an invisible, imperceptible poison.”