The world is very weird right now. Embrace it by reading about disaster, survival, and science-fiction futures in these strange new worlds.
The Disaster Days by Rebecca Behrens
A young babysitter survives an epic earthquake with two kids in her charge. The damage has them stranded on their small island off Seattle, with no cell service, and all their adults stuck on the mainland.
Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Separated from his aging caregiver grandfather and placed in a foster home, Prez forges an unusual friendship with an alien who appears as a dog to everyone else and entreats Prez to help compile a list of Earth's redeeming qualities to prevent the planet from being destroyed.
The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier
After a monster apocalypse hits town, average thirteen-year-old Jack Sullivan builds a team of friends to help slay the eerily intelligent monster known as Blarg. Also available in audio.
It’s the End of the World As I Know It by Matthew Landis
Derrick is sure that doomsday is coming, and he's prepping to survive—whether his friends believe him or not—in this quirky, sometimes-funny, sometimes-moving middle grade novel.
The World Ends in April by Stacy McAnulty
Eleanor Dross knows a thing or two about the end of the world, thanks to a survivalist grandfather who stockpiles freeze-dried food and supplies—just in case. So when she reads about a Harvard scientist's prediction that an asteroid will strike Earth in April, Eleanor forms the (secret) End of the World Club.
Bloom by Kenneth OppelAn invasion of toxic plants threatens to take over the world. The only ones immune to the deadly pollen are three kids, isolated on an island. This new sci-fi thriller is the first in a planned trilogy by a fantastic author. Also available in audio.
Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Through journal entries, sixteen-year-old Miranda describes her family's struggle to survive after a meteor hits the moon, causing worldwide tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. This is the start of the Last Survivors series. Also available in audio.
We’re Not From Here by Geoff Rodkey
After the Earth becomes inhabitable, all people are now refugees in space. When a possible new planet is found, the creatures who already live there (who look like giant mosquitoes) aren’t convinced they want to share the planet. They agree to allow one family in to see if humans are worth saving. No pressure! Also available in audio.
Little Apocalypse by Katherine Sparrow
A sudden earthquake leaves a girl stranded in a devastated city, but she meets a group of kids who call themselves The Hunters and claim that monsters caused the damage. This survival story's got a creepy, supernatural vibe.
In a world where animals are slowly fading into extinction, twelve-year-old Kester Jayne discovers that he can speak to them, and perhaps help them survive. A unique adventure tale.
The Boy at the End of the World by Greg Van Eekhout
Fisher is the only one left alive when the survival dome (the only thing keeping humans safe from wild, super-evolved animals) is destroyed. He must face terrible creatures and dangerous environments on his journey to a second dome rumored to exist.
Me and Sam-Sam Handle the Apocalypse by Susan Vaught
When her father is arrested for a crime, Jesse and her trusty Pomeranian must prove his innocence, even as a tornado strikes their town. A mystery with a smart and funny young hero.
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Youth Services Librarian Allison