Module 5: The Adoration of Jenna Fox

Summary: Teenager Jenna Fox wakes from a year-long coma with no memory of her family or her past. After watching videos of her childhood, memories start returning, but she soon begins to realize that secrets are just around the corner. Soon Jenna is involved in dystopian world she never could have imagined.

Reference:

Pearson, M. (2009). The adoration of Jenna Fox. New York, NY : Square Fish.

Impressions:
Jenna seems to remember experiencing her coma, but she doesn’t remember the accident that caused it. Her parents explain the accident, but her past and current identity remain a mystery. Her family has abruptly moved from Boston to California, and taken almost nothing with them, so Jenna is continually frustrated and confused about their living situation. She’s not allowed to talk much about herself, which only leads to more alienation between her and her family. Once her memories start returning, Jenna can piece together what and who she is, which is an accident survivor re-engineered to live again following the crash that should have killed her. Her family exceeded the amount of repair that she should have legally be able to receive, and are now in hiding. I liked that this futuristic story seamlessly blends sci-fi, mystery, romance, and family drama plotlines. As Jenna becomes more aware, and the reader experiences the turmoil that Jenna is going through, Pearson keeps the tone forthright. Is Jenna human anymore? Is she worthy of being alive? Is she even alive? I liked how Pearson provided a character going through very overdramatized situations, but handles them like a real teenager, a feat that is perhaps unbelievable, given the context, but somehow necessary to make the character relatable. An enjoyable read, and one that makes you think about the worth, role, and consequences of genetically modifying humans.

This is the first book in a series called The Jenna Fox Chronicles.

Review:

“Part dystopian tale, part medical thriller, and part coming-of-age novel, this page-turner has it all.” ―School Library Journal

(2008, December 1). [Review of the book The adoration of Jenna Fox, by M. Pearson]. School Library Journal. Retrieved from: http://www.slj.com/2008/12/reviews/best-of/best-books-2008/

Library use: This is another great option if the library is starting up, or already running, a book club for teens. It is appropriate for ages 14 and up. Prepare a list of questions for the group, and allow for plenty of time to talk through the major themes, including genetic engineering, medical ethics, what makes us "human," and parental control versus individual decision-making.