The Danger of Small Things – Caryl Lewis
This was a solid dystopian thriller for me. I enjoyed it, it kept me reading, and there’s plenty in here to get teenagers thinking and talking.
It’s a slightly tricky one to age. The language itself isn’t particularly challenging, but some of the content and ideas are quite heavy. I’d probably put it at 14+, but definitely one where I’d want to know the reader before recommending it.
The Danger of Small Things takes place in a near-future world where climate change has pushed society into crisis and the rules around how people live, particularly women, have changed dramatically. At the centre of the story is a teenage girl trying to navigate a world that feels increasingly controlled, unequal and dangerous. As she begins to question what she has been told and the role she is expected to play, the story develops into a tense dystopian thriller about power, freedom and what can happen when small changes are allowed to become something much bigger.
There’s loads to discuss: climate change, gender roles, power, control and what happens when fear starts shaping society. It would actually make a really interesting book to use alongside other dystopian fiction because there are some obvious links to the way the genre explores power and what people do with it.
My only slight reservation is that I’m starting to feel a bit of a saturation of female-driven dystopia. There are definite Handmaid’s Tale vibes here, almost a YA version, and while I enjoyed it, it didn’t necessarily feel hugely fresh because of that.
That said, it’s pacey, accessible and thought-provoking, which is a pretty good combination for teen readers. Particularly good for those who like dystopia and thrillers but don’t necessarily want something linguistically demanding.
Overall: a solid read, plenty to talk about, and one I’d recommend: just with a little thought around the age and maturity of the reader.
Age: 14+
Difficulty: Accessible
Themes: Climate change, Gender, Power
My verdict: Solid dystopian thriller ⭐⭐⭐