Content levels
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
In the year 2065, Washington State has seceded from the Union and passes a law that no one may have more than two children unless they purchase a credit from someone else. Ransom Lawe learns that his wife is pregnant with their third child, but he cannot afford to purchase a credit. His love for his wife and unborn child comes up against the risk that the Census Bureau will discover his family's secret.
Is The Third appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
Parents should know this book deals with government control over reproduction and the consequences of defying authoritarian population laws. The story involves the stress and danger of hiding a pregnancy from state authorities, with moderate tension and ethical complexity around family survival.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include pregnancy, government oppression, and forced compliance (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will find the suspenseful premise of fighting an unjust government law to protect family compelling, especially as the protagonist risks everything for his unborn child.