New in Teen Fiction

Birthmarked by Caragh O’Brien

Gaia has been raised near Un-Lake Michigan (the now dried up Lake Michigan) in the shadows of the Enclave. The Enclave is a mysterious walled community that those from the outside are not permitted to enter. In exchange for food, water and other supplies those on the outside often serve the Enclave. Gaia is preparing to serve the Enclave as a midwife and attends numerous births with her mother while in training. Those on the outside know that they may have to give their child up at birth to become a member of the Enclave. Midwives are required to “advance” the first three deliveries they assist with each month to the Enclave where the children will lead a privilege life. Gaia has never questioned the system until her mother and father are taken to the Enclave for questioning. Now Gaia is left with questions about what is happening inside the Enclave and why her parents have been taken away. What will Gaia learn? Will she ever see her parents again? What happens to the babies once they are advanced to the Enclave?