In a situation too close to current events for comfort the teens at a residential treatment facility find themselves abandoned and cut off from help, supplies, or adult supervision. Hope Juvenile Treatment Center is actually a place that offers no hope to its residents. They have been failed by all the support systems that should help at-risk youth and been sentenced to Hope. They deal with a pecking order among the other teens, apathy or brutality from the guards, unappetizing food, and useless therapy sessions. When an infection begins spreading wildly outside the center, the workers go home and leave the kids to fend for themselves.
We can easily recognize some of the situations that the characters encounter - breakdown of services, supply chain issues, lock down/shelter in place orders, fear of infection, worry over the safety of friends and family. The characters do what the world at large has done over the last few years - some break down, some try to run away, some step up and take charge, some take on roles for the general good (healthcare, food service, etc.), and some try to work for their own advantage.
The story is told through the experiences and observations of three of the characters, a few documents found on the center's computers, and transcripts of phone calls made by the teens to loved ones outside. The life they led prior to Hope influences how they each see and respond to the situations that arise. The friendships and alliances that were formed when they first arrived at Hope change with the circumstances and as they learn the strengths and weaknesses of those around them.
A content warning is included in the book and should be taken into consideration when recommending this book to readers. "This book deals with ableism, abuse, death, illness and implied eugenics, imprisonment, and transphobia. In addition, it includes mentions of assault, blood, gunshots, racial profiling and (sexual) violence." This title is intended for YA readers 14+.
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