kaylielongley 's review for:

Downsiders by Neal Shusterman

3.0

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I've read many Shusterman books in different stages of my life, and it seems fitting to end my 2016 reviews with him. He's dependably funny and insightful and casually dark. Accepting this book at face value, it's one of the author's earlier works, intended for a younger audience. Consequently, the plot of star-crossed lovers, Talon from underground city "downside" NY and Lindsay from "topside" NY is quick to form, naturally easy. Yet it is precisely Shusterman's world building that sets him apart from other middle grade authors. Though interpersonal relationships make most of his works relatable, his imagination sets him apart. Within Downsiders, he creates a city life beyond skyscrapers, comparing towers to tunnels and highlights the transformation process from trash into treasure. Socks, for example, are downsider currency. Shusterman's clever and knows it, saying demolition is a growth industry, and in so doing gives context to the hidden, not so obvious New York life. Though he missed some opportunities in examining the characters in his world, such as mysterious Champ who lives in between the 2 sides, this book kicks off a series, and I hope the rest of it is just as fun.