Blending Time / Michael Kinch / 254 pages / August Challenge - Africa

Jaym Johansen is approaching cut-off.  If he does not find a job, he will be sent to work in the canal...or go in to the infantry.  It is 2069.  Everyone must wear a breather outdoors, electricity is spotty, and water is rationed.  "The Global Alliance has replaced the United Nations, but with a much stronger hand to enforce peace."  Seventeen year olds - s'teeneers - are assigned jobs by the government.  Jaym, D'Shay, and Reya elect to be colonists/blenders in Africa to escape less favorable options.  Life in Africa, and their assignments, prove to be intensely problematic in this riveting dystopian tale.