Unwind by Neal Shusterman

“THE BILL OF LIFE
The Second Civil War, also known as “The Heartland War,” was a long and bloody conflict fought over a single issue. To end the war, a set of constitutional amendments known as “The Bill of Life” was passed. It satisfied both the Pro-life and Pro-choice armies. The Bill of Life states that human life may not be touched from the moment of conception until a child reaches the age of thirteen. However, between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, a parent may choose to retroactively “abort” a child……on the condition that the child’s life doesn’t “technically” end. The process by which a child is both terminated and yet kept alive is called “unwinding.” Unwinding is now a common, and accepted practice in society.” (intro)

Imagine living in the not so distant future, never knowing whether or not you will make it to adulthood. Never knowing if your parents will decide they have had enough of your attitude or whether you have reached your potential and you are no longer needed. In this future, you can become an Unwind and once your parents sign the Unwind order, there is no turning back. As an Unwind you aren’t “killed” but rather taken to a harvest camp whether your parts are divided up and used by others. Against your own will, you have become an organ donor. The plus side of this whole revolution –you and those you love will never have to wait on a donor list for a new organ, as they are in high supply. You could live forever… as a part of someone else.