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.

Comments

Review: Faker

Faker By Gordon Korman New York: Scholastic Press, 2024. Fiction. 214 pages. 12-year-old Trey is used to starting over at a new school -- he has the routine perfectly memorized: make new friends, introduce his dad to the wealthy parents of his new friends, and "Houdini" themselves out of there before they get caught running their latest scam. Trey's dad is a master con artist, and Trey has just been promoted to full-partner. Their new scheme for the next big score brings them to the affluent suburb of Boxelder, TN where Trey's dad has cooked up a fake electric car company for investors to buy into. The only problem is that Trey is starting to grow tired of moving around and never putting down roots, especially after forming a fast friendship with Logan and developing a crush on Kaylee, a socially conscious girl in his class. As Trey longs for a normal life, is there any way he can convince his dad to get out of the family business? Gordon Korman is a perennial favorit...

Review: Umami

Umami By Jacob Grant New York: Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, 2024. Picture Book. Umami is a little penguin who is sick of eating the same thing everyday, cold fish --ugh! She becomes determined to find new foods and flavors, so Umami begins a journey across the sea in search of something different to eat. She reaches a place with a plethora of delicious options, and tries bitter, sweet, sour, and foods with umami (just like her name!) among others. Umami decides to bring all these delicious new flavors back for the other penguins to try in a feast. But, will the other penguins enjoy this new experience? Filled with charm and humor, Umami is a diverse romp through a universal experience --am I willing to try something new? What will it be like? The idea of trying new foods and flavors make it especially relatable, and the appealing illustrations will have many readers ready to hop out on a culinary adventure. A humorous and sweet ending, caps off this delig...

Five Faves: Easy Readers of 2024

Hello world! I know you have been anticipating the release of this list all year... my favorite easy readers! Whether they're funny or sweet, these titles are all great for kids taking their first steps for reading. So without further ado...here are my five favorite easy readers of 2024. Lone Wolf Goes to School Written by Kiah Thomas Illustrated by K-Fai Steele New York: Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, 2024. Easy Reader. Lone wolf would spend all of his time alone if he could. Unfortunately, he has to go to school with the "snotty" kids, and even when he leaves school there's people at the beach, on the mountains, and at the movie theater. What's a wolf to do? Invite them all to a party at his house and then leave so that all the places he wants to be are empty, of course! If you're looking for a moralistic read-aloud that will teach the virtues of making friends so that you aren't lonely, you should definitely look elsewhere. However, if you're loo...

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