Books to Read...When It Feels Like the End of the World

The last few years have been a doozy. Unless you've literally been hiding under a rock, you know what I'm talking about. Also, if you have been hiding under a rock, is there room for one more under there? But even when the world isn't in a state of chaos, sometimes what's happening in our individual lives still makes it feel like the end of the world. The characters in the books below can relate--and sometimes they really ARE facing the end of the world.

It's the End of the World and I'm in My Bathing Suit
By Justin A. Reynolds
Scholastic Press, 2022. Fiction.

Twelve year old Eddie is grounded at home doing laundry when the power goes out. He sets out to see what's going on, meeting up with other neighbors on the way. It soon seems that not only are they the only ones left in the neighborhood, they might be the only ones left anywhere.

It's the End of the World as I Know It
By Matthew Landis
Dial Books For Young Readers, 2019. Fiction.

Since Derrick lost his mom, he's been convinced the end of the world is just around the corner. He's obsessed with a doomsday blog that tells him how to prepare to handle the impending end and is busy outfitting his shed to keep him safe and stockpiling food when the neighbor girl, Misty, reappears from a near death experience. Misty is determined to assist Derrick with his preparations and their blossoming friendship might just help them both regain their footing in life.

Race the Night
By Kirsten Hubbard
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2016. Fiction.

Eider is living with the last of humankind behind a fence on a desert ranch. She can't help but think about the world before and about a little sister who never existed. When Teacher tells the children they will be tested for "specialness", Eider and the other children start to question everything.

The World Ends In April
By Stacy McAnulty
Random House Books For Young Readers, 2019. Fiction.

When Eleanor reads an an article stating that an asteroid will hit the Earth in April, she starts a secret club at school to prepare kids for the end of the world.

Geeked Out
By Obert Skye
Henry Holt and Company, 2018. Fiction.

Even in a post apocalyptical world, school carries on! Geeky Tip and his nerdy friends start a secret vigilante group to try and save their middle school.

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