The Last Free Cat

Title: The Last Free Cat

Author: Jon Blake

Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company

Publication Date: August, 2012

Genre/Format: Sci-Fi; Dystopian/Novel

Goodreads Summary: Jade has always trusted the authorities, but now she begins to question the very society in which she lives. Not far in the future, cat breeding is strictly controlled and cats are only for the rich in their private estates. When beautiful, sleek Feela turns up in Jade's backyard, she cannot resist taking the cat in, even though it could cost her everything. Soon the enforcement officials are raiding Jade's house. After her mother's death, the only person left for Jade to turn to is Kris, the cynical school loser. Soon Jade and Kris are on the run... 

What I Think: This book is such a compelling read and a great addition to the dystopian subgenre. 

     When I started this book, I had never heard of it but I was intrigued by the concept and right away I was glad that this book had crossed my path. This book was non-stop action and was so hard to predict because of all of the twists and turns throughout. Just as you thought that things were going to get steady for Kris and Jade, something happens. I also enjoyed the back and forth between Kris and Jade. Whenever there is a boy and girl character who are blatantly flirting yet pretend they don't like each other, it makes me want to keep reading to see if they figure it out (and you'll have to read to find out if Kris and Jade do). 

     I was particularly enthralled with this book because it seemed to be something that could realistically happen in the near future. The idea of killing off animals who spread a disease already happens and the extreme that the book goes to could definitely happen. It actually hurt me to think of a world where people couldn't have cats- the companionship that cats provide is something no other animal can. 

     Also, I think this is another book that is a great example of "Don't judge a book by its cover" as the cover makes it look so boring! It isn't, I promise. 

Read Together: Grades 6 to 12

Read Alone: Grades 7 to 12

Read With: The Girl Who Remembered Horses by Linda Benson, Personal Effects by E.M. Kokie, The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

Snatch of Text: "There was no way she'd let me touch her at first. Trust had to be built up slowly and painfully. I talked to her softly, offered her little treats, and took care not to make any sudden or threatening movements." (p. 10) 

"There was one person, however, who found me endlessly fascinating. Kris Delaney. Kris was the bane of my life. It was the entire aim of his existence to test me. I don't know why I interested him so much. It certainly bugged him that I wasn't born in the neighborhood and had lived in a greenhome and, OK, we'd had a boat if only a small one. But Kris was different, too. You'd see him with other lads, kicking a ball about, but you'd see him on his own just as much. There was always a distance between him and his mates." (p. 17) 

Mentor Text for: World Building, Conflict, Characterization

Writing Prompts: Jade goes on the run from the authorities to protect Feela. Do you agree with the choice she made? Use text evidence to back up your claim. What is something or someone in your life that you would risk everything for like Jade did for Feela? 

Topics Covered: Authority, Companionship, Choices, Death

I *heart* It:

(4.5 hearts)