Gathering Blue - Lois Lowry

Kira was born with a twisted leg and in her world, those born deformed do not belong. But Kira's mother, with the help of her Kira's grandfather, saved her and she has been able to live in the village along with her mother. 

But Kira is now orphaned. Her father died before she was born and she lost her mother to an illness. And now some of the people in her village want Kira gone.

Kira is summoned to a trial by the Council of the Guardians so she may defend herself and her right to the stay village. Kira chooses to be defended by one of the people on the Council and to her surprise, she wins. And is soon taken to her new home, where they have plans for her.

I first read The Giver in 2009. A friend gave it to me as a gift. I really liked the book and have wanted to read the sequel for a while.

This book doesn't follow Jonas, but instead follows Kira, who is 15 and has a deformed leg in a community that doesn't accept people with any deformities. 

I like Kira, who is strong despite being seen as useless and weak due to her leg. 

The community in this book is somewhat similar to that of the one in The Giver. For one, it seems people have to be perfect and useful. If they are not, then they aren't allowed in the community. 

Even though twice Kira was allowed to stay in the community, I felt there was an underlying tension and danger. Kira and others were okay, unless in some way they stepped out of line. I saw this later in the book, but I won't spoil it.

I liked the story, including the twist nearing the end and I liked the characters. I think I actually liked this a bit more than The Giver.