In Sweren-Becker-s uneven debut, one percent of the population has benefited from genetic modification at birth, which endows the Ones, as they are called, with beauty, intelligence, and other heightened traits. Cody Bell, 16, and her 17-year-old boyfriend, James, are both Ones, and life is good in their California town until the Supreme Court declares genetic engineering illegal. In addition, a group called the Equality Movement is taking aim at the Ones, seeking to guarantee equal rights for all citizens. When Cody is approached by a mysterious boy named Kai, she-s drawn into the violent side of activism, and to Kai himself. Third-person narration switches between James and Cody, now at odds, as James discovers that his father hides a terrifying secret. Sweren-Becker-s near-future story is well-timed to tap into ongoing conversations about inequality, privilege, and extremism, but the book-s exploration of topics like discrimination, government oppression, and radicalization tends toward the superficial. Cody, meanwhile, turns on a dime, making decisions that may have readers scratching their heads-particularly her continuing fascination with Kai even after his group shows its ruthless side. Ages 15-up. (Sept.)-

Gr 9 Up-Cody and James are both gennysthat's the disparaging nickname given to the one percent of the U.S. population who were genetically engineered for superior brains, looks, and athletic skills. Popular sentiment has turned against the social experiment, initiated by the National Institute of Health 18 years earlier. Members of the Equality movement are using the courts and thuggish tactics to bring the Ones down. Along with a law making their very existence illegal, there is talk of a vaccine that would reverse their genetic advantages. Though Cody and James have been girlfriend and boyfriend for several years, they don't see eye to eye on the best course of action. Cody joins the New Weathermen, a rebel group determined to fight for the Ones' rights to be who they were born (or made) to be. James is less likely to rush into things, though he doesn't want to be changed, either. When a peaceful school demonstration gets out of hand, the stakes are raised for everyone. Loose ends in the final pages point clearly to a sequel. The science of the plot is thin, but the chase scenes have vivid moments. Cody loves James but is attracted to Kai, a New Weatherman. A big reveal about Cody's identity doesn't fully add up, but that flaw doesn't seem to have much impact on the plot. VERDICT This middle-of-the-pack offering is suitable for high schools needing more dystopian adventures. Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX

High school student Cody and her boyfriend James are Ones, part of one percent of the population chosen before birth for genetic engineering. As Ones, everything comes easily to them. Though the one percent is chosen in a lottery system that includes all births, some people think the genetic engineering gives the Ones an unfair advantage, and the Supreme Court has just ruled it unconstitutional. As backlash against the Ones descends into violence, Cody joins forces with the enigmatic Kai and his underground group, the New Weathermen, to fight back. James takes a more pacifist view, but follows Cody after he finds out that his father is keeping a secret that might make things even worse for the Ones.This novel from playwright and television writer Sweren-Becker relies on many well-worn tropes of the dystopian genre. A story that promises discussion fodder about civil rights, privilege, and genetic engineering quickly descends into a plot derived mostly from convenience. Most of the characters are underdeveloped, including Cody and both of her love interests. Missed opportunities to create tension build to an easy ending that promises a sequel. This book adds nothing new to a crowded genre and should be purchased only for large collections.Elizabeth Norton.