 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Dead and the Gone
- By Susan Beth Pfeffer
- Genre: Science Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Grim sequel of survival grittier than first installment.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this sequel deals with a family trying to survive after a natural disaster. It is a grim and, at times, rather gruesome book, with many deaths, including some major characters, and details about decomposing and rat-eaten bodies. This book will be terrifying to some kids, especially those without the experience to put it in context. Readers on the younger end of the spectrum may want to know more about their own family's readiness for disaster, and about the likelihood of these types of events occurring. Those mature enough to handle the content will find plenty to discuss, and main characters who work hard to protect and care for one another.
What's the story?
In Life as We Knew It, the moon was pushed closer to the earth by a meteor, causing complete disruption to Earth's tides, weather, and infrastructure. This sequel covers the same events from the point of view of three Puerto Rican teens living in New York City, who must survive after their parents disappear and are presumed dead, and lawlessness and disease sweep the darkened, isolated city.
Is it any good?
This is not really a sequel, but a stand-alone book covering the same worldwide events from a different point of view than the white, suburban family in Life as We Knew It. This one involves three working-class Puerto Rican teen siblings in Manhattan, whose parents disappear on the first day of the disaster. This change introduces both a grittier level of grimness (the first book didn't have rat-eaten bodies rotting in the streets or stadiums full of naked corpses) and some new issues, such as class differences, and the place of faith and the church community in the face of overwhelming disaster.
Like the first book, though, big, discussion-worthy themes of response to climate change, the collapse of the energy infrastructure, and the role of the individual within the community are carried by a taut, suspenseful, and realistic story of individual and family survival. This, of course, makes it ideal for middle and high school discussion groups. Profoundly disturbing, the book will make many readers want to put it down -- but the relentless story won't let them.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about their own disaster plans, and what could be done to make them feel more ready. Also, what is the likelihood of these types of events taking place?
Another discussion idea: This is a fantasy novel about a possible future scenario. What other stories about the future have you read? What can be gained by reading stories that take place in a distant (or not so distant) time?
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AGE
good book
the begining was a tad bit slow but it was a really good book though sad in some parts
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AGE
Perfect for tweens and teens, but not for little kids.
i LOVED THIS BOOK! when i took it out of the library, and I finished it, I realized the whole book was like 5 years old, and I was the first to take it out, and it was soooo good!
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AGE
Disturbing
Although this was a good book, it was not as good as life as we knew it. Also, it is much more disturbing because of the denial, sudden deaths, and hate endured by many characters. It is best for 12+.
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AGE
The best 1 out of the series
I insanly love this story. It is perfect for any age
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AGE
darker than the previous book in the series
This book is more graphic and violent than its prequel, but it gives a different view of a disaster that changed the whole future of the human race. It also covers moral issues, such as theft, violation of dead bodies, and more. Scary descriptions of the dead and dying, and some scenes will send younger readers to bed with nightmares! Overall, a good read, but make sure you can stomach the details.
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AGE
Deep, dark and depressing; but addicting
Were do i start with this book; there is just so much to comprehend in this book.Basicly, this book shows the struggles of alex, a teen, who has to take care of his sibblings when his parents die. one word: depressing! There are lots of disturbing material in this book (body stealing, suicide,dead corpes rotting in the streets)This is a good book though, but its hard not get scared of it happening in real life.
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Kid, 12 years old
December 12, 2010
AGE
Good for middle school kids
I love this book but it has some scenes that are not very appropriate for tweens. I think middle schoolers and up could handle this book with maturity and be able to enjoy it.
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AGE
An amazing book for confident readers
I thought this book was amazing. The way the writer had captured my imagination blew me away and I could not put this book down. My mum read it and she too thought it was outstanding! All me and my mum could talk about was the book and we can't wait to read more of Susan Pfeffer's books!
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Kid, 12 years old
March 31, 2011
AGE
I LOVE IT!!!!
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AGE
I absolutely loved this book. It was very very sad but i found i could never put the book down. It was a little scary and very sad but if you get the chance, definitely read it.
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| Author: | Susan Beth Pfeffer |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
| Publisher: | Harcourt Brace |
| Publication date: | June 1, 2008 |
| Number of pages: | 321 |
| Hardcover price: | $17.00 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 12 - 12 |
| Read aloud: | 12 |
| Read alone: | 12 |
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