Spencer lives near Fern Flats, a town encased in a massive domed cage. Spencer’s family are the sole residents Outside the Cage, at Free-Farm, where they live harmoniously with the dinosaurs who help run the farm. When a series of mysterious attacks rock the community inside the cage, suspicion quickly falls on the farm. The townspeople and the Dinosaur Protection Authority (DPA) demand its closure but Spencer is determined to uncover the truth before it’s too late.
Author Carly Waddleton has crafted an impressive book with this science fiction tween read. It has everything young readers like - a fast pace, tight story, easy to read chapters and compelling characters that are easy to relate to. Add in a modern world with dinosaurs, and it's a sure fire winner.
Waddleton keeps the pace fast and the action intense to grip readers, but she blends this perfectly with some deeper themes to encourage readers to think deeper. This book would make for a great read aloud in a classroom - with readers able to explore the societal structures, bullying, the meaning of family and much, much more.
Waddleton has crafted both characters and a world that are meaningful, realistic and authentic. While the premise sounds a bit far out - a modern world with dinosaurs - the story is believable and feels real. There is a real drop-off in reading levels once children near their teens, but Outside the Cage is a book that will help combat that. Waddleton understands that tween readers need books that appeal to their curiosity, that have characters that reflect themselves and that capture their growing independence. She nails it with this story. The adventure within the story will especially appeal to those on the brink of losing their engagement and love of reading.
I am not the intended audience at all, but I really enjoyed my time spent at Fern Flats. Outside the Cage is a thrilling adventure that will captivate the imaginations of all its readers.
Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell
UK Book Publishing