Divided We Fall (2014) by Trent Reedy follows seventeen-year-old Danny Wright, a high school senior and National Guard member, as he becomes embroiled in a political conflict between state and federal forces. Set in a near-future America grappling with division over a controversial federal ID card program, the story explores themes of political factionalism, guilt, loyalty, and friendship. After a protest in Boise escalates into a deadly riot, Danny is left haunted by his actions and the consequences that follow. As Idaho's governor declares rebellion against federal mandates, Danny faces a heartbreaking choice between his loyalty to his state and his country. The novel, rich with fictionalized news reports from varying political perspectives, ends on a cliffhanger as tensions mount and the U.S. Army prepares to invade Idaho. This first installment of a trilogy delves into themes seldom addressed in young adult fiction, offering a poignant exploration of political identity and the personal impact of national conflict.
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