Fledgling

A Novel

Hardcover
$26.95 US
6.2"W x 9.4"H x 1.1"D  
On sale Oct 04, 2005 | 320 Pages | 9781583226902
Grades 9-12 + AP/IB

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Fledgling, Octavia Butler’s first new novel in seven years, is the story of an apparently young, amnesiac girl whose alarmingly un-human needs and abilities lead her to a startling conclusion: she is in fact a genetically modified, 53-year-old vampire. Forced to discover what she can about her stolen former life, she must at the same time learn who wanted–and still wants–to destroy her and those she cares for, and how she can save herself. Fledgling is a captivating novel that tests the limits of “otherness” and questions what it means to be truly human.

“Students were startled by Butler’s ability to portray the ultimate other with such empathy and by her skill in using genre conventions to pose profound social and political questions. In addition, these idealistic young people were inspired by Butler’s life story of dedication and determination. Later, I heard them talking about trying to get a ‘Butler effect’ in their own writing. I am so happy that I placed that book order.” — Trudy Lewis, University of Missouri, Columbia
A writer who darkly imagined the future we have destined for ourselves in book after book, and also one who has shown us the way toward improving on that dismal fate, OCTAVIA E. BUTLER (1947–2006) is recognized as among the bravest and smartest of contemporary fiction writers. A 1995 MacArthur Award winner, Butler transcended the science fiction category even as she was awarded that community’s top prizes, the Nebula and Hugo Awards. She reached readers of all ages, all races, and all religious and sexual persuasions. For years the only African-American woman writing science fiction, Butler has encouraged many others to follow in her path.
  • NOMINEE | 2006
    Lambda Book Award
  • NOMINEE | 2006
    Locus Awards
“Octavia E. Butler is one of the finest voices in fiction—period … A master storyteller, Butler casts an unflinching eye on racism, sexism, poverty, and ignorance and lets the reader see the terror and beauty of human nature.” Washington Post Book World

“Readers familiar with … Parable of the Sower and Bloodchild will recall that [Butler] never asks easy questions or settles for easy answers.” —Gerald Jonas, New York Times

About

Fledgling, Octavia Butler’s first new novel in seven years, is the story of an apparently young, amnesiac girl whose alarmingly un-human needs and abilities lead her to a startling conclusion: she is in fact a genetically modified, 53-year-old vampire. Forced to discover what she can about her stolen former life, she must at the same time learn who wanted–and still wants–to destroy her and those she cares for, and how she can save herself. Fledgling is a captivating novel that tests the limits of “otherness” and questions what it means to be truly human.

“Students were startled by Butler’s ability to portray the ultimate other with such empathy and by her skill in using genre conventions to pose profound social and political questions. In addition, these idealistic young people were inspired by Butler’s life story of dedication and determination. Later, I heard them talking about trying to get a ‘Butler effect’ in their own writing. I am so happy that I placed that book order.” — Trudy Lewis, University of Missouri, Columbia

Author

A writer who darkly imagined the future we have destined for ourselves in book after book, and also one who has shown us the way toward improving on that dismal fate, OCTAVIA E. BUTLER (1947–2006) is recognized as among the bravest and smartest of contemporary fiction writers. A 1995 MacArthur Award winner, Butler transcended the science fiction category even as she was awarded that community’s top prizes, the Nebula and Hugo Awards. She reached readers of all ages, all races, and all religious and sexual persuasions. For years the only African-American woman writing science fiction, Butler has encouraged many others to follow in her path.

Awards

  • NOMINEE | 2006
    Lambda Book Award
  • NOMINEE | 2006
    Locus Awards

Praise

“Octavia E. Butler is one of the finest voices in fiction—period … A master storyteller, Butler casts an unflinching eye on racism, sexism, poverty, and ignorance and lets the reader see the terror and beauty of human nature.” Washington Post Book World

“Readers familiar with … Parable of the Sower and Bloodchild will recall that [Butler] never asks easy questions or settles for easy answers.” —Gerald Jonas, New York Times

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