In that time, he also meets Liberty 5-3000. As the story opens, this private research has been occurring for two years. Equality 7-2521 sneaks to the tunnel alone every night, where safe from others beneath the ground he secretly performs scientific experiments. The tunnel is clearly a remnant of the Unmentionable Times, the ancient period prior to the establishment of the present society. One day while sweeping the streets, Equality 7-2521 comes upon a metal grill leading down into a dark tunnel. He has been taught that it is a sin to harbor secret ambitions, and so believes he is guilty, though strangely, he feels no pangs of wrongdoing. Because of his fascination with the Science of Things, he secretly desires to be sent to the Home of the Scholars. However, he has always been fascinated by the phenomena of nature and can't help but wonder what power of the sky causes lightning and how it can be harnessed to human benefit. Collectivism - the political philosophy holding that an individual exists solely to serve the state - is dominant and has led to the establishment of a global dictatorship of the Fascist or Communist variety.Įquality 7-2521 is a Street Sweeper of the city, having been chosen for this profession by the Council of Vocations. With the new civics curriculum, it would be a great addition to any reading list.The story of Anthem takes place in some unspecified future time and place in which freedom and individual rights have been obliterated. To whom would you recommend this book? This would be a great way for teachers to extend learning about this time frame. Like the other 2 books in this sixties trilogy, the volume is packed with primary sources from the time, including newspaper articles, photographs, quotes, maps and more.Īnything you didn’t like about it? Each chapter introduces a new adventure/character, which could be a bit confusing to younger middle grade readers. Reading Anthem is like taking a musical tour of 1969 across the United States. Each person they meet teaches them about love, caring for each other, truth and honesty. As they make their way to San Francisco their eyes are opened to much more of the world than they knew existed. They explore the America of 1969 through its music, protests, Vietnam veterans, communes and much more.

What did you like about the book? Anthem tells the story of two teenage cousins who take off in a bus across the country to locate their brother/cousin who has been drafted for the Vietnam war. Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4 Anthem by Deborah Wiles, Scholastic Press, 9780545106092, October 2019

Anthem by deborah wiles