The Sky Inside
By Clare B. Dunkle. New York: Atheneum, 2008. 229 p.
Edited by Ginee Seo for Ginee Seo Books.
A science fiction novel for young adult readers.

BUY THIS BOOK IN HARDCOVER.

Listening Library has released an unabridged audio edition (audio download or CD), read by Bruce Turk.

Simon & Schuster UK will be releasing the UK edition in August, 2008. That edition will be paperback.

Simon & Schuster Australia will be releasing the Australian edition in October, 2008. That edition will be paperback.

“Author Clare B. Dunkle sculpts a fascinating future landscape, a perfect dystopian utopia, that will leave the reader considering the events of the tale long after the last page has been turned and the covers closed. Definitely a nominee for a Golden Duck award, in my book.”
—The Trades

“While a quest of a boy and his dog ... against seemingly insurmountable obstacles is a familiar plot, Dunkle surrounds her protagonists with an enthralling range of settings, a memorable cast of characters who hide their ennui and worry to varying degrees, and Martin himself, who while bold and intelligent, is also effectively developed as an authentic thirteen-year-old boy who is attempting something a bit out of reach. ... Fans of the author will still recognize her evocative storytelling and intricate plotting, even in this science fiction milieu.”
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (Recommended)

“Clare B. Dunkle ... has created a richly imagined, thoroughly frightening society. Her novel takes place in a world much like our own, and its characters have believable strengths and weaknesses. Offering insightful commentaries into today’s society and raising challenging questions about the future, The Sky Inside is the kind of science fiction novel that will encourage young readers to think about—and discuss—some of the larger issues in their own lives.”
—BookPage

“A solid, compelling entry in the isolated-dystopian-community genre. In a world well-stocked with genius children, the point-of-view focus through an ordinary boy with questionable free will provides a compelling shift from the expected.”
—Kirkus

“An interesting book that I couldn’t put down. It reminds me of a modern day setting of The Giver with maybe a little Soylent Green thrown in. ... Readers that enjoyed The Giver, A Wrinkle in Time, etc. will really enjoy this one.”
—Denise Byers of middle_school_lit