What’s to love about this genre?

What will the world look like in 20 years? Fifty? Will there be enough water for every human? Will America still be a democratic nation? You can find possible answers in a newly popular young adult genre called dystopian fiction.

Dystopian fiction shows how our country and world might look after a nuclear war, a depletion of natural resources or a complete breakdown of organized society and government. Dystopian societies are riddled with superstition, fear and narrow-minded ideologies. Dystopia gives us a peek at what could happen if environmental, political or social ruin took place.

As we read through all the despair and carnage, we get to see the resiliency of the human spirit; love still happens, goals are made, babies are born, dogs still bark even in absolute chaos. The plot shows us that we can overcome struggles through the bonds of friendship, family and personal growth.

The formula for the making of a great dystopian read is fairly consistent: female (or sometimes male) protagonist is met with a false reality of their known world. They are enlightened with some form of traumatic knowledge. They seek change, typically through a form of wholesome rebellion, and are met with forces beyond their known capabilities. Through struggle for survival, discovery, failure, trial and error, the protagonist faces insurmountable obstacles, yet finds courage to succeed with the help of comrads.

What makes these protagonists, or good guys, so great is their deep commitment to truth and justice. They are willing to face unbeatable odds to right a wrong or stay true to their families and friends. These heroines are not Bella from “Twilight.” They are not whiny, petty or driven by the urge to have a boyfriend. They are strong, confident, exceptional young ladies.

We’ve listed some books that we feel truly represent this genre. Some books have content suited for the older teen. We always recommend reading what your teen reads.

‘Among the Hidden’

By Margaret Haddix

In the society where Luke lives, each family is only allowed two children. Luke is the third. He is a shadow child, non-existent to society and hidden by his family. What will happen if he breaks the rules to meet the neighbor girl? If he’s seen, the government will take him.

Razorland series (No. 1 — ‘Enclave’)

By Ann Aguirre

Deuce, a loyal Huntress, begins to see that the strict ways of the elders may be wrong — and dangerous — when she meets a mysterious outsider. Over time, Deuce learns to trust, fight for what is right and see love, family and community are possible.

‘Divergent’ series No. 1

By Veronica Roth

Forced to choose between strict factions and family ties, Beatrice chooses edgy, brave Dauntless. Casting her scheduled life behind, she finds her inner warrior and becomes fearless. This book challenges what is expected with what is right.

‘Hunger Games’ No. 1

By Suzanne Collins

Katniss isn’t interesting because she’s the sparkling heroine; she is a simple girl placed in a world of survival of the fittest on her own accord. She braves her way through a life-or-death competition for her true love and family.

‘Dust Lands’

By Moira Young

Saba finds herself on the road searching for her kidnapped brother. She learns about trust, deceit and friendship while fighting to save her brother. Saba eventually sees the corruption of her society and stands up for what is right. She’s a true heroine and a very likable character.

‘Maze Runner’

ByJames Dashner

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he's not alone. Due to a natural disaster, the world has changed. Thomas doesn’t know it yet, but he’s part of an experiment to see if humans and the world can be saved.

There are other books that could easily make the list. We read these books because we love to wonder, “Would I be as brave and as committed to my beliefs as these young characters?” We like to think we would. And for a few hundred pages, we can imagine ourselves saving a loved one, overcoming hardship and growing into a better person.

Brandy J. Bishop teaches seventh-grade language arts at Houston Middle School and Amy Harren teaches sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade Read 180 at Houston Middle School.