1. Kids have to fix it all.
The Darkest Minds (2018). Ender's Game (2013). The 5th Wave (2016). The Hunger Games books (2008-2010). Why must young people keep fixing the messes of the elders? In some stories the kids get superpowers; in others, they're just expected to be smarter than the adults. None of the kids have real problems: Acne, growth spurts, an inability to wake up early.
2. The chosen child.
Rare powers, magical trinkets, supernatural abilities, or just someone who'd been watched since they were little. Alina Starkov from Shadow and Bone (2021-2023) can summon light. So, she's saddled with the task of saving her kingdom. In Victoria Aveyard's Red Queen (2015-2018), Mare Barrow also has rare powers, which come in handy to overthrow the ruling class. No one ever uses their powers for a house party, sadly.
3. The heroine's side quest.
Sure, she's gotta save the world. But first, she must pretty up, have big pang of self-doubt and a forbidden love. Joey King did it in Uglies (2024), as a woman who must choose between beauty and intelligence. In Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me series, 17-year-old Juliette can kill with a touch. The government is interested, obv. But what of her social life?
4. The ageing adult behind the curtain.
Denne historien er fra November 16, 2024-utgaven av Brunch.
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Denne historien er fra November 16, 2024-utgaven av Brunch.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Is It Scrolling Or Screening?
Being on the phone while the TV plays is the new normal. Just don't do it when there's company. A case for what it means to be present
This week, we're...
Preferring the spinoff.
The newest tricks in the book
Time is money. Here are the best hacks for saving precious seconds and taking even your everyday feed to the next level
Snuffing out the flames
Has online dating peaked? People are ditching the apps, going old-school, and aiming for IRL connections. Here's how the swipe failed a whole generation
Off the eaten path
In hotels, cafes and home kitchens cooks are getting creative with food waste. Tomato skins show up in a cake, fat flavours broths, peels have fresh appeal. Of course, we're cheering this change
Glamming up your getaway
Every island in the Maldives is stunning. So how do resorts offer a luxury upgrade? At Cheval Blanc it's by elevating every experience-food, service, spa and beyond
Benefits with friends
Of course it's harder to make friends as we grow older. Responsibilities, increase, time is short. Luckily, we have our tribes
A portrait to reflect upon
Playing with lighting and layering, a young Amrita Sher-Gil depicted herself as bold, mischievous, and enigmatic - all at once
Keep your trope shut
A divided world, a post-apocalyptic wasteland, a prophecy, a burden too heavy for a young adult. 10 YA dystopian cliches to vanquish in battle.
Sanjeeda Shaikh
Actor, @IAmSanjeeda
