The Apocalypse of Elena Mendoza
Thought-provoking end-of-world tale; lots of angst, drama.
Kids say
Based on 3 reviews
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Apocalypse of Elena Mendoza, by Shaun David Hutchinson (At the Edge of the Universe, We Are the Ants), has elements of fantasy and magical realism. It's about a high school junior with the ability to heal people. Aspects of sexuality are frequent topics but not explicit. Elena is bisexual, and other characters are at varying places on the spectrum of human sexual orientation. Elena was born of a virgin, and a scientific explanation is given for how that might be possible. Violence is rare and never gory. There's a shooting that mentions blood, and a kidnapping, and an alcoholic accidentally gives his son a concussion, though it's not explained exactly how. Sexual activity is mostly a few kisses between same-sex and opposite-sex couples and a few mentions of making out in the past. Strong language includes "f--k," "s--t," and "d--k." Diverse ethnicities are represented. Strongest messages are about how to make the best choices you can while asking whether consequences matter, which ones you can live with, how faith or lack of it informs your choices, and more.
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What's the Story?
THE APOCALYPSE OF ELENA MENDOZA starts when 16-year-old Elena gets some startling new information from the voices she's been hearing for as long as she can remember. When Freddie, the girl Elena has a crush on, is shot right in front of her, the voices inform Elena that she has the power to heal Freddie of the gunshot wound in the abdomen. Elena doesn't quite know how she does it, but she does. Freddie is completely healed, with no sign of any injury and no more pain. But whenever Elena heals someone, random people from all around the world (and some not-so-random people close by) disappear into a ray of light, never to be seen again. The voices warn that the "raptured" people are being saved from an impending apocalypse, but Elena's not sure she believes the voices. And even though she wants to heal people, she's not sure she can keep doing it if it means others are taken away without being asked if they want to leave. Elena knows that the choices we make can have ramifications that last for years, even for generations. So how can she be sure she's making the right choice for herself, and for everyone else?
Is It Any Good?
Teens who like end-of-the-world scenarios will enjoy the humor, angst, and drama in this fantasy novel. They'll appreciate that The Apocalypse of Elena Mendoza doesn't spoon-feed easy answers. They'll laugh at Elena's sassy, kind-of-cynical attitude, and they'll relate to Elena as she struggles with how to make the right choice, how to approach her longtime crush, and how to handle life when everything seems to be changing before she's ready.
Readers who like magical realism with a dash of the existential will easily accept the voices, the healing, the virgin mother, the beams of light, and the impending doom. Harder to accept in the otherwise realistic, modern-day world might be how calm everybody is, how much life goes on like normal, how little worldwide attention Elena receives, and how her friends and family aren't worried about life ending as much as they are about Elena making up her mind what to do. Those interested in the relatable relationship, friendship, and high school dramas; family life; and learning to make tough choices may find that the fantastical elements just get in the way of all that. Those who can find the middle ground will hope for more after the wide-open ending.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Apocalypse of Elena Mendoza explores the theme of choice. How does Elena figure out what she should do? Have you ever had to make a hard choice? Are you more or less decisive than Elena?
Why are books, movies, and TV about the end of the world so popular? What else have you read or watched with similar themes? Which is your favorite? Why?
What would you do if you had Elena's ability to heal? Do you think she handles it well? What about the consequences?
Book Details
- Author: Shaun David Hutchinson
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Friendship, High School
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Simon Pulse
- Publication date: February 6, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 17
- Number of pages: 448
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: August 1, 2018
Our Editors Recommend
-
We Are the Ants
Mature themes explored in angsty end-of-the-world story.
-
At the Edge of the Universe
Teen seeks missing boyfriend in existential coming-of-ager.
-
Grasshopper Jungle
Brilliant end-of-the-world chronicle is unforgettably weird.
For kids who love fantasy and LGBTQ stories
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