RIOT ACT by Sarah Lariviere | Jul 16, 2024 | ISBN 9780593479957 | Young Adult
Punk rock meets Orwell’s 1984 in this story of a group of theater kids who take on a political regime, perfect for readers who love books by A.S. King and Marie Lu.
In an alternate 1991, the authoritarian US government keeps tabs on everybody and everything. It censors which books can be read, what music can be listened to, and which plays can be performed.
When her best friend is killed by the authorities and her theater teacher disappears without a trace, Gigi decides to organize her fellow Champaign High School thespians to put on a production of Henry VI. But at what cost?
Advance Praise for
Riot Act
Knopf, July 16, 2024
Tension zings throughout the twined plots, making for an unabashed profession of the importance of art in a tale both gritty and timely —Publishers Weekly
This fast-paced dystopian thriller will get a standing ovation from theater kids and punk rockers alike — Kirkus Reviews
This punk rock dystopian thriller is a must-read about freedom of expression and the power of art in the fight against tyranny — American Library Association, Booklist
VERDICT: A compelling read for mature teens who enjoy dystopian fiction; the exploration of authoritarianism, personal freedom, and resistance makes this a thought-provoking addition to any library’s collection — School Library Journal
New York Public Library: Best Books for Teens 2024
The 19 Best Books We Read in 2024 — SheKnows.com
#1 New Release, Amazon, YA Theater Fiction, July 2024
#1 Best Seller, Amazon, Alternative Fiction, November 2024
This audiobook bleeds urgency. — AudioFile Magazine
Five stars. I predict it’s going to be banned by the very people who *should* be reading it. Definitely recommended — Sparkling Book Reviews
A furious explosion of raw poetry and punk sensibilities set against a retro dystopia that’s too close for comfort — Barry Lyga, author of I Hunt Killers and Unedited
In the realm of contemporary fiction, Sarah Lariviere has carved out a niche with her unique voice and compelling narratives. Her latest novel, Riot Act, is no exception… one of today’s most intriguing authors — Geek Vibes Nation
Get Underlined, Behind the Scenes of Riot Act: A Q & A with Author Sarah Lariviere
Publishers Weekly, 7/18/2024, Start a Riot
The Shit No One Tells You About Writing, podcast interview with Sarah Lariviere
WCTV Book Stew, Interview with Author Sarah Lariviere
Author Spotlight, Sarahlyn Bruck Blog, August 2o24
The Nerd Daily, 10 Books to Inpsire Gen Z Compassionate Anarchist Punks, by Sarah Lariviere
Recommended teen audiobooks, Barnes&Noble
A rag-tag group of teens is set on making a stand, and you can’t help but be terribly invested…I loved this book. I recommend this book to everyone! — Crossroad Reviews
I completely fell in love with this book. It's edgy and raw, it paints a picture of a world that is so bleak I couldn't help but fall in love with it… breathtaking and poignant and a fantastic read — The Well-Read Podcast
The debates between characters about the merits of different acts of rebellion are reflective of debates we see in modern society, demonstrating Lariviere’s deft ability to apply relevant political commentary to a fictional narrative — Pine Reads Review
Authors Answer, Interview with Sarah Lariviere
Women Writers, Women’s Books, Authors Interviewing Characters