The Chosen One

The Chosen One
by Carol Lynch Williams

Kyra is 13 years old and has grown up in an isolated community where The Prophet creates the laws, the God Squad acts as the police, books are burned and her father has 3 wives with more than 20 brothers and sisters.  Kyra in many ways is a typical teenager, questioning authority and crushing on a neighborhood boy, but in her community this behavior is not tolerated. 
Children are to be punished if they can't behave and though her immediate family does not follow the Prophets orders for discipline, others in the community do. 

You discover through the story that Kyra gets her personality honestly, with strong mothers who understand, but do not want to see her hurt.  And a father who loves her unconditionally, but adhere's to The Prophets orders.

Honestly, this book was difficult for me to read.  It was even more difficult to finish.  The writing was excellent and the story was emotional.  The characters and subject just were so true to life that it broke my heart to read.  But what a compliment for the author.  I would recommend this book to middle to high grades.  Sensitive topics.