Set in the future when teenagers are monitored via camera and their recorded actions and confessions plugged into a computer program that determines their ability to succeed. All kids given a "score" that determines their future potential. This score has the ability to get kids into colleges, grant scholarships, or destroy all hope for the above. Scored's reluctant heroine is Imani, a girl whose high score is brought down when her best friend's score plummets. Where do you draw the line between doing what feels morally right and what can mean your future? Friendship, romance, loyalty, family, human connection and human value: all are questioned in this fresh and compelling dystopian novel set in the scarily forseeable future.
Scored
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Featured Interview: Lauren McLaughlin
Q. Many dystopian novels are set in a distant future that looks very different from our world today; what made you decide to set this in the not too distant future, essentially just a generation or two removed from where we are now?
A. I don't think you have to look too far into the future to envision nightmare scenarios evolving from current circumstances. We already have surveillance, high stakes testing, potent analytical software that makes judgments about us all the time. When a Google ad pops up on your screen, that's the result of a sophisticated algorithm analyzing your Web habits and making judgments about them. We rank each other by the number of Facebook friends and Twitter followers we have. We're also currently slipping into a desperate situation of massive economic inequality. Wealth is concentrating among fewer and fewer people. The middle class is sinking. The old economy of credit-fueled growth turned out to be a pyramid scheme, and, with that in tatters, there's nothing yet on the horizon to replace it. I don't know where all of this will lead us, but I don't think we're going to have to wait very long to find out. I think we may already be at the leading edge of a real life dystopia. I hope I'm wrong.
Q. Novels that were "required reading" in previous generations are mentioned a few times in Scored (Brave New World, 1984). Did you read either of these when you were in school? Did you discover any books that you still love today because of required reading in school or were you more of a reluctant required reader?
A. I read both Brave New World and 1984 in school. At the time, I was more of a reluctant required reader and the books didn't fully resonate for me. I was a late bloomer. I only fell in love with reading when I was 16, courtesy of an English teacher with a passion for Faulkner. But the strange thing about 1984 is that even though it didn't capture my imagination at the time I read it, the story definitely stuck in my mind. Something about the inescapable nature of that world became a part of my subconscious landscape. That's the power of required reading. You may not know it's in there, but it's in there somewhere. It's part of your understanding of the world and part of the collective unconscious of your peers. It's important for teens to read books of their own choosing for pleasure, but it's equally important for them to read outside of their own preferences. That's where you find those unexpected gems. I never would have chosen a Faulkner novel off the library shelf. The first few pages of The Sound and the Fury went straight over my head. That's a hard book to read. But boy am I glad my teacher made me read it. That book changed my life.
Q. What do you hope that the reader will take away from reading Scored?
A. I want to make people uncomfortable. I want them to feel the seduction of ubiquitous surveillance at the same time as being afraid of it. That's the kind of reader experience I'm looking for. Not only is it vastly more emotionally gripping to love and fear the same thing, but it also reflects, on a philosophical level, precisely the bind we're heading into as a society. Technology is a force for good and evil and we're not always equipped to know the difference. I want readers to think about these issues in complex emotional ways, because it's these complex emotions that will ultimately drive technological and societal change. As an author, I get nothing from creating simple easy-to-hate bad guys. It's too easy. Nor am I interested in reinforcing something people already know and believe. My goal is to make the counter-argument so seductive it occasionally gets mistaken for the argument. This will confuse and anger some readers, but I think it makes for vastly more interesting conversation.
Q. When you were a teen, were you more like Imani or Cady?
A. I would say that I was Imani with Cady itching to burst through. I wasn't a rebel, but I wasn't a conformist either. Truthfully, there wasn't much to rebel against. My teachers were excellent and engaging, my parents were supportive and cool, and most (though by no means all) of my fellow students were decent and kind. There was room in my upbringing for curiosity and doubt, so I never felt stifled. I actually experienced my rebellious phase when I went to college. At that point, I was Cady all the way.
Review
"The bold, aggressive narrative condemns both No Child Left Behind-style testing and current financial policies, cautioning about what could happen to social mobility in the face of stark inequity." - Kirkus
"Most dystopian fiction takes place within an established totalitarian regime, but Scored allows readers to witness the very first stages of a changing society." - VOYA
"A tense and chilling look at a near future that's all too recognizable. Scored will bring out the rebel in every reader." -Scott Westerfeld, author of Goliath
"the most rounded, thought-provoking and pulse-pounding exploration of the surveillance society I've yet read." - Cory Doctorow
"Most dystopian fiction takes place within an established totalitarian regime, but Scored allows readers to witness the very first stages of a changing society." - VOYA
"A tense and chilling look at a near future that's all too recognizable. Scored will bring out the rebel in every reader." -Scott Westerfeld, author of Goliath
"the most rounded, thought-provoking and pulse-pounding exploration of the surveillance society I've yet read." - Cory Doctorow
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More About the Author
Lauren McLaughlin grew up in the small town of Wenham, Massachusetts. After college, she spent ten years as a screenwriter and producer before abandoning her screen ambitions to write fiction full time. She lives in New York and London with her husband and daughter and is currently at work on her fourth novel. When not writing, Lauren can be found at the piano, in a dance studio, or in the kitchen inventing new desserts.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I have mixed feelings about this book and I wish there were half stars because I would have given this book 3.5 stars.
I read this book in one night which says something...first I have to say that this book flowed really well and so it was easy to keep reading w/out taking breaks (even though the book was just over 200pg)...
The story is a dystopian where there are cameras everywhere that record all teenagers. That's right, teenagers. The whole idea behind this story is that in this world you have to have a high enough score in order for any university/college in the state will be paid for you (a scholarship from ScoreCorp who owns all the cameras, etc and runs this whole 'program'). And with only a handful of people that can actually afford to pay for their kids to go to college this is very important.
There are 5 elements that you are scored on and those can greatly affect your score. One of the things that will affect your score is the people you hang out with. If you hang out with someone that is scored lower then you (the 60s, 70s, 80s, etc all stick together) then your score will drop. In order to get a scholarship you need to be scored in the upper 90s...and that isn't all...to get a job at all (if you can't afford to go to college) you need to score over a certain number. So these scores are very important.
The main character, Imani, has a score in the 90s and believes strongly in Score Corp, although not everyone does. Imanis score drops drastically through something that was no fault of her own, and she is desperate to get her score back up. Imani is already a senior and has limited time to do this. Because of her desperation she agrees to work on a her American Historys final paper with a non-scored, Diego (which is the worst thing you can do)-but she has another agenda that doesn't turn out the way she expected. Imani learns some things she didn't know and is left to decide if she still believes in Score Corp. like she did before or not...
This story was very interesting and it kept me reading til almost 4am. The characters were great, but the idea of the book is what I liked the best. Cameras that track everything teenagers do. Even on the streets. Their body language, facial expressions and interprets all of that.
The whole idea of this book to me was sort of scary. Not because of the whole 'big brother' thing, but because of the things that affect your score. The people you hang out with?? Wow...You learn that you are the only one you need to worry about and no one else. You can't form any close relationships and don't even think about dating...
I really liked how the author talked about our world now (the past in the book) and made you see things differently and what could happen or already did happen.
The things I wasn't too happy about with this book is the fact that the a big chunck of the book is spent with Imani and Diego, working on this paper, and discovering things along the way, but then in the end it is was about something else. I felt as if the ending was not developed enough and the whole paper thing didn't properly end. I felt like the basis for the story was being built, and it was great, but the climax didn't really happen. The ending fell flat to me.
I hope that makes some sort of sense.
Anyway, the story was a good read and if there is another book then maybe some of my misgivings on this book will be cleared up.
I read this book in one night which says something...first I have to say that this book flowed really well and so it was easy to keep reading w/out taking breaks (even though the book was just over 200pg)...
The story is a dystopian where there are cameras everywhere that record all teenagers. That's right, teenagers. The whole idea behind this story is that in this world you have to have a high enough score in order for any university/college in the state will be paid for you (a scholarship from ScoreCorp who owns all the cameras, etc and runs this whole 'program'). And with only a handful of people that can actually afford to pay for their kids to go to college this is very important.
There are 5 elements that you are scored on and those can greatly affect your score. One of the things that will affect your score is the people you hang out with. If you hang out with someone that is scored lower then you (the 60s, 70s, 80s, etc all stick together) then your score will drop. In order to get a scholarship you need to be scored in the upper 90s...and that isn't all...to get a job at all (if you can't afford to go to college) you need to score over a certain number. So these scores are very important.
The main character, Imani, has a score in the 90s and believes strongly in Score Corp, although not everyone does. Imanis score drops drastically through something that was no fault of her own, and she is desperate to get her score back up. Imani is already a senior and has limited time to do this. Because of her desperation she agrees to work on a her American Historys final paper with a non-scored, Diego (which is the worst thing you can do)-but she has another agenda that doesn't turn out the way she expected. Imani learns some things she didn't know and is left to decide if she still believes in Score Corp. like she did before or not...
This story was very interesting and it kept me reading til almost 4am. The characters were great, but the idea of the book is what I liked the best. Cameras that track everything teenagers do. Even on the streets. Their body language, facial expressions and interprets all of that.
The whole idea of this book to me was sort of scary. Not because of the whole 'big brother' thing, but because of the things that affect your score. The people you hang out with?? Wow...You learn that you are the only one you need to worry about and no one else. You can't form any close relationships and don't even think about dating...
I really liked how the author talked about our world now (the past in the book) and made you see things differently and what could happen or already did happen.
The things I wasn't too happy about with this book is the fact that the a big chunck of the book is spent with Imani and Diego, working on this paper, and discovering things along the way, but then in the end it is was about something else. I felt as if the ending was not developed enough and the whole paper thing didn't properly end. I felt like the basis for the story was being built, and it was great, but the climax didn't really happen. The ending fell flat to me.
I hope that makes some sort of sense.
Anyway, the story was a good read and if there is another book then maybe some of my misgivings on this book will be cleared up.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
After the second Great Depression created an insurmountable gap between the rich and the poor, a powerful company known as Score Corp created a new system to give everyone an equal chance at going to college and achieving the American dream: the Score. From kindergarten on, children are under constant surveillance by Score Corp's "eyeballs," cameras that exist to monitor their actions, behavior, friendships, academic performance and more. High school senior Imani LeMonde has worked hard her whole life to have the very high score of 92. Her best friend, Cady Fazio, however, is only a 71, and associating with her is a constant threat to Imani's score. So far, Imani's score has not been too impacted by her friendship, but after Cady is caught in a relationship with an unscored boy at their school, Imani's score suddenly plummets to a 64. At Somerton High, there are only two kinds of unscored students: the uber-rich who can buy a college education, and the untouchable "peasants" who refuse to be scored because they are morally opposed or simply cannot afford it. In an effort to restore her high score, Imani begins a secret collaboration with Diego, an intelligent but unscored boy at her school, who thinks they are merely working together on an essay contest for a college scholarship. Imani hopes that gathering information from Diego, whose mother is a prominent anti-Score Corp lawyer, will improve her score. But once Imani begins to learn more about the truth of the score and its creators, will she be as loyal to the score as she once was?
Part dystopian fiction part social commentary, Scored is an interesting if not fully expanded novel for teens who want something to think about. While the score is the focus of the story, the exact mechanics of the scoring process are somewhat glossed over, leaving the reader longing to learn just how the elusive numbers are generated. Reference to a sophisticated software program are often made, but the author does not dive further into the computerized aspects of the scoring process. How do the Score Corp eyeballs watch everyone all at once? Are points added or subtracted by analyzing facial expressions? Do eyeballs exist in people's homes? These are just a few of many questions that are never really answered in the novel, and could have used flushing out. Despite these missed opportunities, however, Scored does manage to delve quite deeply into the concepts that surround the score: social order, merit, socioeconomic disparities, and more. The idea of a caste system is brought up often, and conversations between characters, particularly Imani and Diego, will certainly leave readers who something to ponder after they've finished the book. Although it does seem more of a vehicle for the author to comment on the current state of education, particularly things like standardized testing and No Child Left Behind, Scored is an interesting and thought-provoking novel that many are sure to find enjoyable.
For me, this was one of those novels that had a concept I really loved by an execution that left me wanting just a bit more. I really wish that the author would have gotten more into exactly how the score worked. She touched on it from time to time, but I was never sure if it was Imani's paranoia that caused her to think the cameras could judge facial expressions, movements, and other everyday behavior, or if that was really the case. I did enjoy Imani's various battles with her conscience and thought the opportunity for social commentary was interesting, however. I think the author has a lot to say and that her point was expressed successfully in the novel.
Like my reviews? Check out my profile for a link to my blog for more recommendations!
Part dystopian fiction part social commentary, Scored is an interesting if not fully expanded novel for teens who want something to think about. While the score is the focus of the story, the exact mechanics of the scoring process are somewhat glossed over, leaving the reader longing to learn just how the elusive numbers are generated. Reference to a sophisticated software program are often made, but the author does not dive further into the computerized aspects of the scoring process. How do the Score Corp eyeballs watch everyone all at once? Are points added or subtracted by analyzing facial expressions? Do eyeballs exist in people's homes? These are just a few of many questions that are never really answered in the novel, and could have used flushing out. Despite these missed opportunities, however, Scored does manage to delve quite deeply into the concepts that surround the score: social order, merit, socioeconomic disparities, and more. The idea of a caste system is brought up often, and conversations between characters, particularly Imani and Diego, will certainly leave readers who something to ponder after they've finished the book. Although it does seem more of a vehicle for the author to comment on the current state of education, particularly things like standardized testing and No Child Left Behind, Scored is an interesting and thought-provoking novel that many are sure to find enjoyable.
For me, this was one of those novels that had a concept I really loved by an execution that left me wanting just a bit more. I really wish that the author would have gotten more into exactly how the score worked. She touched on it from time to time, but I was never sure if it was Imani's paranoia that caused her to think the cameras could judge facial expressions, movements, and other everyday behavior, or if that was really the case. I did enjoy Imani's various battles with her conscience and thought the opportunity for social commentary was interesting, however. I think the author has a lot to say and that her point was expressed successfully in the novel.
Like my reviews? Check out my profile for a link to my blog for more recommendations!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I had a tough time with Scored. The subject matter was not so unbelievable and was actually pretty eerily where it looks like our future could be headed. Do I like it or believe it to be fair? No not at all but it's just the way things are and will be. I mean we're already "scored" in so many aspets of our lives.
But the actual problem I had with the book itself was I didn't like any of the characters and it just got a bit irritating having Imani and Diego debate who was right and wrong all the time. It just was to...political reading? I couldn't think of a better word for what I mean but it just became quite boring. Too much bickering and not enough action so to speak.
Imani was just one of the uppitiest (is that even a word?) people I have ever read and I could not stand her. She ditched a friend for falling in love and supposedly causing her score to drop, she was rude to her parents almost like she was above them (when I say rude I don't mean the usual teenager antics I mean like she came across all holier than though in my opinion), and she was so quick to conspire (backstab) against a classmate just to get a scholarship when she realized there was no way to raise her score. I'm like okay I get it. I can see why she did these things but was it really worth it? I can only speak for myself but I value my friends, family, and self respect more than having a high score or having to backstab to get what I want. She did somewhat redeem herself in the end but far to late to gain any respect in my eyes.
But the actual problem I had with the book itself was I didn't like any of the characters and it just got a bit irritating having Imani and Diego debate who was right and wrong all the time. It just was to...political reading? I couldn't think of a better word for what I mean but it just became quite boring. Too much bickering and not enough action so to speak.
Imani was just one of the uppitiest (is that even a word?) people I have ever read and I could not stand her. She ditched a friend for falling in love and supposedly causing her score to drop, she was rude to her parents almost like she was above them (when I say rude I don't mean the usual teenager antics I mean like she came across all holier than though in my opinion), and she was so quick to conspire (backstab) against a classmate just to get a scholarship when she realized there was no way to raise her score. I'm like okay I get it. I can see why she did these things but was it really worth it? I can only speak for myself but I value my friends, family, and self respect more than having a high score or having to backstab to get what I want. She did somewhat redeem herself in the end but far to late to gain any respect in my eyes.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting plot but shallow characters
The plot sounded interesting enough but there was no real depth or breadth to the story or the characters. Read more
Published 1 month ago by L. Kaplan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great dystopian novel
This book is a great choice for anyone who loves a good dystopian tale!
If you like hunger games or matched (ally condie) or Roth 's insurgent, you will like this! Read more
If you like hunger games or matched (ally condie) or Roth 's insurgent, you will like this! Read more
Published 3 months ago by Sarah
3.0 out of 5 stars
A Dystopia That Might Actually Work
Originally posted on A Novel Toybox[...]
Scored, although considered a dystopian novel, isn't quite a dystopia...yet. Read more
Scored, although considered a dystopian novel, isn't quite a dystopia...yet. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Lilian @ A Novel Toybox
4.0 out of 5 stars
its good
I would actually probably give this more like 3.5 stars, however I would be closer to 4 than a plain 3...so 4 stars it is. Read more
Published 13 months ago by allforlost
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic book for both dystopian veterans and newbies.
I feel Scored never got the recognition it deserves. This is one solid dystopian.
The idea that the world is run on a scoring system doesn't really take a lot of... Read more
The idea that the world is run on a scoring system doesn't really take a lot of... Read more
Published 14 months ago by Jasmine Baggenstos
4.0 out of 5 stars
Lauren McLaughlin does an excellent job providing the background for...
Any student will tell you that scores can make all the difference. When their young, they learn that a higher score is better than a lower one. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Teen Reads
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Stunning Read
Dystopians that are realistic are the best sort of reads, and Lauren McLaughlin absolutely nailed that aspect in Scored. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Erica
3.0 out of 5 stars
Poorly Executed Plot
Scored by Lauren McLaughlin is the reason I stay away from speculative fiction. SF asks the question, "what if? Read more
Published 15 months ago by Laura Herbertson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Scored
As a teacher, I'm always trying to get my students to work hard. We all know that the state test scores determine so much for a student. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Sandra K. Stiles
4.0 out of 5 stars
Diego stared back with his blue eye ...
I added this to my 'to read' list after writing a post for our library blog on the slew of teen dystopia novels with one word titles. I read this after Matched and Bumped. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Natz2-D2
