Declaration (book)

Declaration is a young adult dystopian science fiction novel by Gemma Malley, published in 2007. The story is set in a future England where overpopulation has led to mandatory "declarations" to not have children. Those born to parents who have signed the Declaration are known as "Surplus," and are considered less than citizens, often living in strict, isolated institutions.

The novel follows the experiences of Anna Covey, a fifteen-year-old Surplus living at Grange Hall, who believes she is inherently evil simply for existing. Her rigidly controlled life is disrupted by the arrival of Peter, a new Surplus boy who challenges the established order and the ingrained beliefs about Surplus. Peter claims his parents loved him and wanted him, and his very existence challenges Anna's deeply held convictions about her own worthlessness.

The narrative explores themes of reproductive rights, government control, environmental concerns, individuality, and the value of human life. It examines the ethical implications of sacrificing personal freedom and choice in the name of societal stability. As Anna and Peter uncover secrets about Grange Hall and the Declaration, they question the very foundations of their society and the justification for the treatment of Surplus. The novel is the first in a trilogy, followed by The Resistance and The Legacy.