The Meadowlands by Kate Kelly

The Meadowlandsis a young adult dystopian fantasy following the adventures of four children who come from a near future dominated by institutions, technology, and state control. Children are raised in state homes and have no concept of family, with the exception of Terran and his younger sister Brooke.

While stealing supplies at the market to supplement their needs, Terran and Brooke, along with two other children, Tyson and Simon, are chased by the authorities. Searching a dark alleyway for cover, Terran is drawn to a vibrant glow, a mystical green meadow, hidden behind a crumbling city wall. It's an archway with a small opening that has fallen away, a perfect place to hide, like a window into a different world the world of the Beigfur, as it turns out. The Beigfur are small sentient beings who once shared the earth with humans, but now exist in a parallel universe. Theirs was a highly technical society at one time but they lost the ability to control their science and now live in harmony with nature, developing their intuitive and telepathic capabilities. The Beigfur are a shy being, wary of humans and their destructive ways. Centuries before, the Beigfur used the last of their technology to place a glamour between the worlds to protect themselves. Climbing through the archway, the children inadvertently penetrate the blocked passage and tumble into The Meadowlands where an unexpected, life-changing adventure begins.

The Meadowlandsspeaks to the confusion of today's world and the complex question of technology and how much of it is needed in our lives. The novel explores GMOs and impacts on nature and the environment, the importance of familyand the challenges of coming of age in a world of technology and isolation.(From Inanna)

The Meadowlandsis for ages 13and up.

Kate Kelly is an Ontario educator, singer-songwriter, poet and writer. She lives in Peterborough, Ont.