It's Complicated

The Bombs That Brought Us Together by Brian Conaghan

Life for fourteen year old Charlie Law and the residents of Little Town has taken a turn for the worse when the government is overthrown and the "Regime" assumes control. Although Charlie is too young to remember life before the Regime takeover, his parents can remember a time when there was no curfew, open political discourse was encouraged, and citizens had no fear of government henchmen known as Rascals.
Brian Conaghan has created a bizarre futuristic world. It's a totalitarian state where things have gone horribly wrong and terror reigns. Charlie becomes trapped. Blackmailed by the leader of the Rascals into actions which are morally repugnant, Charlie sees no way out. 
     MENTAL MEMO: Now the dark side has been entered it’s vital to find the door that leads                  straight out of it.

Conaghan inserts an interesting twist: the plight of refugees. Charlie's befriends newcomer Pavel Duda.  Pav and his family have escaped from neighboring Old Country, hoping to find peace and stability within the regulated Little Town. The life of a refugee is difficult, especially when one's country of origin is considered a threat. It is tough for Pav to assimilate into a community when he looks, acts, and speaks differently from the other students. Charlie also begins to suspect that his friendship with Pav comes at a cost.
     'That doesn’t make me from Old Country, does it?' I said.
     'But hanging around with the enemy makes you the enemy too.'

Conaghan drops a few of his own plot bombs into this fascinating study of morality, friendship, and loyalty.  Events leading up to the cracker-jack conclusion are riveting. Conaghan's tale offers teens thoughtful and compelling reading.

Companion books

Maggot Moon by Sally Gardner
Fifteen year old Standish Treadwell befriends neighbor Hector Lush. The boys discover government secrets in this grim distopian novel. Printz Honor book.

The Arrival by Shaun Tan
Tan's wordless picture book brilliantly captures the experience of relocating in a foreign country. Images invite exploration and further discussion.