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The Boy at the End of the World

The Boy at the End of the World
by Greg van Eekhout
Bloomsbury, 2011. 212 pp. Juvenile chapter book.

Fisher is born, half-grown and imprinted with specific skills and knowledge, into a wild world where he must navigate unknown dangers with only a custodial robot, Click, and a mild-mannered mammoth, Protein, as his companions. As his own society has been destroyed, he might even be the last existing human. He and his companions journey across the dangerous wilderness in search of another Arc, similar to Fisher's destroyed society. Fisher must employ all his skills to deal with the ferocious "gadgets" and the aggressive land and creatures, some that have evolved in frightening ways.

This book has a wider appeal than just those who like science fiction and dystopian novels. Kids who enjoy adventure and survival stories will eat this up as well. It's a snappy, quick read with plenty of unusual circumstances and adventures to keep the reader involved and interested. The main characters are well-drawn and likeable. This was a fun, easy read!

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