Book Review: On The Edge of Gone

ON THE EDGE OF GONE by Corinne Duyvis is a young adult, suspenseful science fiction novel told through the eyes of an autistic teen.

With a comet headed to Earth, rich (or useful) people have found permanent shelter underground or reserved space on a space going off-planet. However, a vast majority of the world’s population is stuck in temporary shelter and must find a way to survive. Will Denise and her family survive on Earth or will they find a way onto one of the generation ships?

As an autistic woman, the author is able to draw on her personal experiences to create a complex, realistic lead character.

Librarians will find that this apocalyptic novel is a step above the norm. With fully developed characters and a non-stop survival theme, readers will be thinking about the novel long after its conclusion. The diverse cast and powerful, thought-provoking story appeal to a wide range of young adult readers. However, some readers may shy away from its length.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.corinneduyvis.com/.

Published by Abrams Kids on March 8, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Big Dark

THE BIG DARK by Rodman Philbrick explores life in a small town after an apocalyptic event.

When a geomagnetic storm disrupts all electronic devices, lawlessness ensues and an anti-Semitic survivalist tries to take charge of their town. The situation becomes desperate when Charlie’s mother begins to run out of medicine. Charlie must trek 50 miles through the snow in search of the nearest hospital.

Although the bad guy is somewhat one-dimensional, the author successfully captures the havoc caused by the disaster. The themes of courage, tolerance, and personal responsibility are effective for the middle grade audience.

Librarians will find this quick read provides a nice introduction to science fiction and dystopian novels for readers seeking to expand their reading options.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.rodmanphilbrick.com/.

Published by The Blue Sky Press, an imprint of Scholastic on January 5, 2016. ARC provided by the publisher.

Book Review: Grasshopper Jungle

GRASSHOPPER JUNGLE by Andrew Smith is an edgy, hilarious, science fiction comedy that brilliantly merges coming-of-age with end-of-the world themes. Look for it on the 2014 Printz shortlists.

Much more than an apocalyptic thriller, this intense tale is told from the point of view of a young historian named Austin Szerba. Backstories of the main characters’ ancestors are skillfully woven throughout the story providing readers with fascinating and bizarre insights and connections that extend well beyond the monster theme.

Austin is an extremely horny sophomore who hangs out with his girlfriend and gay best friend. The realistic approach to teen sexuality and frequent use of potty humor will be particularly appealing to teens. However like many of the most edgy books in the YA collection, it’s likely to offend some readers.

Austin’s already confusing life is turned upside down when an unstoppable army of six-foot-tall praying mantises are unleashed in his small Iowa town.

The combination of teen sex talk, a deranged mad scientist, an underground “bunker of Eden”, and gory alien creature violence are sure to be a draw for teens. Those who enjoy the creative mind of Andrew Smith will also be happy with the result.

The movie rights to the book have already been purchased, so the novel will remain popular in YA and school libraries for at least the next several years.

To learner about the author, go to http://www.authorandrewsmith.com/