Readers' rating:
Published Oct 2008
336 pages
Genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Speculative, Alt. History
Publication Information
Medford lives on a neat, orderly island called—simply—Island. Islanders like names that say exactly what a thing (or a person) is or does. Nothing less. Islanders like things (and people) to do what their names say they will. Nothing more.
In fact, everything on Island is named for its purpose, even the people who inhabit it. But Medford Runyuin is different. A foundling, he has a meaningless last name that is just one of many reminders that he's an outsider. And, to make matters worse, Medford's been keeping a big secret, one that could get him banished from Island forever.
When the smelliest, strangest, unruliest creature Island has ever seen comes barreling right into his rigid world, Medford can’t help but start to question the rules he’s been trying to follow his entire life.
A whimsical fantasy debut about belonging, the dangers of forgetting history, and the Usefulness of art, The Unnameables is one of the funniest stories of friendship you’ll ever read, with a cast of characters you’ll never forget.
"Starred Review. A sort of combination of witch-trial-era Salem and The Giver, this book offers a treat with nearly every page turn." - Kirkus Reviews
"Avid readers in middle school and high school will enjoy a tale that combines magic with an almost puritanical culture. " - VOYA
"Booraem's rich, intricate narrative is laced with enough humor to leaven the story, but it still takes its theme seriously. This is a fantasy novel that stands above the rest; it is fresh, original, and appealing and the kind of book you want to read again, just to spend more time with the characters." - KLIATT
"This novel, with certain plot points reminiscent of The Giver, will not appeal to all fantasy readers, but those who try it will find it has a style and charm of its own" - School Library Journal
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