With the release of Uglies in February 2005, author Scott Westerfeld introduced us to the world of Uglies and Pretties: a future society in which one’s sixteenth birthday meant a compulsory cosmetic surgery to become beautiful, and where prettiness led to power and resources.

Following 15-year-old protagonist Tally Youngblood, Uglies and its three sequels (Pretties, Specials, and Extras) prompted young readers to lift the veil on conformity, beauty, and privilege and to question: What’s the price of beauty?