BARNABAS BOPWRIGHT SAVES THE CITY

A teen uncovers dark truths behind his amazing home.

Barnabas Bopwright lives in the City with his mother and stepfather and goes to school with Deni Jiver, his girlfriend. Both are student journalists. After discovering a subway map with a mysterious, hidden Aqua Line, Barnabas mentions it during an interview with the mayor, turning his life upside down. Threatened by Mayor Tuppletaub and unsure whom to trust, Barnabas ends up traveling on the Aqua Line, taking a nightmarish ride outside the City to the mysterious Valley. There, he discovers the ugly truth beneath his utopian world: It’s kept running by Valley workers, and the natural environment is destroyed to provide fuel and supplies. When he uncovers a sinister plot against the City, Barnabas has to save his imperfect home. While the book’s pacing and mystery elements and the themes of adventure and friendship are gripping, Barnabas’ narration feels much younger than his 15 years, clashing with serious discussions of social inequity, environmental degradation, and consumerism. The depictions of distrustful—and untrustworthy—adults are heavy-handed, detracting from a potentially intriguing analysis of family and heritage. Conversations about religion, the importance of creativity, and the meaning of bravery add extra dimensions but are similarly simplified. Barnabas’ reflections on his sexuality provide a sweet, slow-burn awakening. Barnabas is assumed White; diversity in race and sexuality is present in the supporting cast, but at times these identities are framed in ways that feel othering.

Despite intriguing themes, the delivery fizzles.