It is the year 2035, and kids are the only ones who matter.

In Tom's world, every family has only one child. "Brother" and "sister" are insults. And the Oldies, like Gandy--Tom's grandfather--are taken away to Memory Theme Parks. On the way to the Theme Park, Gandy escapes into the Wild Wood, the dangerous world outside their walled city. Tom has no choice but to follow. The wilderness is like nowhere he's ever been before, and the more he learns at Gandy's side, the more he wonders: Is the wall meant to keep the Outsiders out, as he's been taught in school--or the Insiders in?

"Nina Bawden's skill is placing a set of vibrant characters in a compelling plot seasoned with cold reality, the warmth of enduring relationships, and moral ironies."--Kirkus Reviews