OUTSIDE, By Jennifer L. Holm, Scholastic Press, Oct. 7, 2025, Hardcover, $17.99 (Ages 9-12)
A girl dreams about a world beyond the shelter where her family lives following the Great Poisoning in Outside, a MG novel by Jennifer L. Holm.
Whatever you do, don’t leave home.
Razzi has always been told: Don’t go Outside. It isn’t safe. There are people and creatures out there that will harm you. The walls of the Refuge will protect you from them.
Razzi’s friend Ollie was curious about Outside… and it led to his death. So, Razzi is trying to be on her best behavior. She is the oldest kid left, the one the younger kids look up to. She has to follow the rules.
But Outside has a way of getting in, and Razzi, guided by a dog she has a strangely close connection with, wonders what it’s like to run free beyond the walls.
If she steps away from everything she’s ever known… what will she find? —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Press
On its face, the premise of Outside is your standard dystopian fare, but with just a few twists, author Jennifer L. Holm makes you question everything she led you to believe.
The star of Outside is Razzi, the eldest kid at the Refuge and therefore the one with the most responsibility. It’s a title she both loves and hates. Sometimes, she hates being the voice of reason. She’s a strong narrator who hooks readers from the start. She’s smart and reliable and gives readers someone to root for. She’s surrounded by a good mix of supporting characters, though no one really stands out among the others.
Where Holm is very successful is in her world-building. She not only transports readers to a place, but creates an atmosphere that is present throughout. Her pacing is excellent, and her prose is clear and concise — there’s nothing there that doesn’t need to be.
At 240 pages, Outside is a great length for readers who want an adventure/mystery without getting bogged down in details. It’s fast-pacing and Holm’s accessible text makes it a great choice for independent reading.
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