Of Metal and Wishes by Sarah Fine - OPTIONAL

Fine, Sarah Of Metal and Wishes, 317 pgs. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2014. $17.99.  Language: PG-13 (talk about rape, losing virginity); Violence: PG-13; Mature Content: PG-13.

Wen is a 16 year-old girl in a meat-cutting factory.  Her father works as a doctor and following the death of Wen’s mother, Wen leaves behind a more refined life for assisting her father.  Factory life is harsh and gruesome.  Wen has gained the unwanted attention of Mugo, a sadistic factory boss who wants to take advantage of her while juggling feelings for Melik, the leader of the Noor, who are minority workers exploited at the factory.  Wen has also gained the favor the Ghost, who seems to have the ability to grant wishes, though those wishes seem to be granted in violent ways.  

This book is a retelling of The Phantom of the Opera, though in a much more brutal setting, Because of the grisly deaths, violence and implied sexual violence against females, this book truly earns a PG-13 rating.  

HS – OPTIONAL.  Michelle in the Middle