Peace Maker
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
In Michela's world, aggression is forbidden. In order to maintain the peace, every person aboard their spaceship must wear a peacemaker, which controls their temper. However, Michela has tampered with hers, as she is determined to feel the whole range of emotions she has read about in the forbidden library, belonging to her mother, the captain. When they accidentally fly into enemy territory, peace is no longer an option - and Michela may be the ship's only hope.
This short story by former Children's Laureate Malorie Blackman is an interesting look into times when standing up for yourself and fighting is the only option. It is well-paced and designed to appeal to reluctant or hesitant readers, as well as being dyslexia-friendly.