In the poll about this column you asked for more coverage of general science fiction. I’ve already done some news in last week’s column, and I have plans to review other books soon, both classic and recently released works. In the meantime, though, I had received a copy of The Clone Codes from Scholastic and thought it would make a good inauguration for the column moving into the wider science fiction field. This is a young adult title (meant for ages 12 and up) that came out on Feb. 1st, and from the description it sounded like something I’d enjoy. Read on to get a brief summary and my thoughts on the book.

A hundred years in the future, mankind is using human clones as a slave labor force to do menial tasks such as cleaning and other jobs that are required but not seen in a very positive light. These clones have been genetically altered to appear gender neutral, to function at only a low level of intelligence, designed to only live for 12 years, and are given a specific color skin to designate the type of worker they are. Clones are not considered human beings, and there are Clone Codes (laws) to ensure they remain that way.

Leanna is a normal 13 year old girl who has always accepted the way society works. She has friends at school, plays sports, and treats clones just like everyone else does – as non-entities. But when Leanna’s mother is arrested by the government for participating in an illegal movement fighting for the rights of clones – Leanna is in for the shock of her life. She is a clone of her dead sister – and now she’s wanted by her own government as a fugitive. With the help of a couple of cyborgs (human/machine hybrids who are treated as outcasts, but not as slaves) Leanna goes on a journey of discovery, one that brings into play a possible encounter with alien life and the potential destruction of the entire human race.

There’s a lot to like about The Clone Codes. Leanna is a likeable main character, and that’s important since the book is written from the first person in her perspective. The authors are using a lot of good historical ideas, set in a futuristic society. There is no doubt this is meant to remind the reader of the United States history of slavery and how a complacent society can choose to allow that to happen. There are also liberal uses of the underground railroad concept – but these things are not disguised. Things like the Amendments to the Constitution outlawing slavery are fully discussed, along with historical figures and virtual history sessions. There are commglasses that most members of society wear – think of it like your computer, ipod, phone, TV… basically anything you can think of wrapped up in one. Between the starships, floating marketplaces and advanced cities, the scifi trappings help keep the story fresh and interesting.

Still, it’s also a book meant for a younger age group than I am, and the story could be heavy handed at times with the anti-slavery message. I was not surprised at the reveal that Leanna was a clone, and the secret organization that dates back for centuries left me a little cold. But as I said, there’s a lot I liked about the book – it’s a pretty quick read at 165 pages, and the pace doesn’t really slow down. It could probably have done with a little more detail/depth of descriptions – and some character motivations need a little more explanation – but the former probably has to do with the age group this book is targeted for, and the latter will have a chance to be expanded upon in the next two books in this planned trilogy. All in all, I found The Clone Codes a worthwhile read and it’s certainly an excellent way to teach a little history to a child who’s more interested in reading science fiction.