Set in a post-apocalyptic and civil war-torn land that was once the United States, Legend is a dystopian novel as seen through the eyes of teens. The Republic rules the districts, or neighborhoods, of what was once Los Angeles. June, a 15 year old girl, is born in to a family of wealth and privilege. Her brother is in the military, and she is training in an elite academy to join him. Although a bit of a rebel, June has no reason to question her government, her morals, or her beliefs.
That is, until her brother is killed, and a young boy named Day is the prime suspect.
Day is just trying to survive. A fugitive from the Republic, Day has left his family to protect them. But now his brother is sick and only the Republic has the cures. Medicine costs money that Day doesn't have. When Day's mother is murdered by the Republic, Day only sees one path forward: vengeance.
Notes: Legend is a dystopic novel set firmly in the Young Adult genre. It features main characters who are themselves young adults, and is narrated through the main characters respective points of view in alternating fashion. The novel addresses themes and tropes ranging from Orwelian to Shakespearean. The novel asks the reader to consider issues of loyalty over morality, poverty and classism, and authoritarianism.
Legend is easiliy read by readers as early as 4th-5th grade, however, the themes and references are more suited to a middle school audience.
There is a graphic novel of the original text, as well as a (truly horrible) Hollywood production of the text making it accessible to a range of learners.
Lexile: 710L