How to Pack for the End of the World - by Michelle Falkoff (Paperback)

About the Book

If you knew the world was going to end tomorrow, what would you do? This is the question that haunts Amina as she watches new and horrible stories of discord and crisis flash across the news every day. But when she starts at prestigious Gardner Academy, Amina finds a group of like-minded peers to join forces with--fast friends who dedicate their year to learning survival skills from each other, before it's too late. Still, as their prepper knowledge multiplies, so do their regular high school problems, from relationship drama to family issues to friend blow-ups. Juggling the two parts of their lives forces Amina to ask another vital question: Is it worth living in the hypothetical future if it's at the expense of your actual present?

Book Synopsis

The
Breakfast Club meets We Are the Ants
in this timely story for a generation of young activists.

If you knew the
world was going to end tomorrow, what would you do?

This is the question
that haunts Amina as she watches new and horrible stories of discord and crisis
flash across the news every day.
But when she starts at prestigious Gardner
Academy, Amina finds a group of like-minded peers to join forces with--fast friends
who dedicate their year to learning survival skills from each other, before
it's too late.

Still, as their
prepper knowledge multiplies, so do their regular high school problems, from
relationship drama to family issues to friend blow-ups. Juggling the two parts
of their lives forces Amina to ask another vital question: Is it worth living
in the hypothetical future if it's at the expense of your actual present?

Review Quotes

Praise for Questions I Want to Ask You: "A well-rounded, much-needed portrait of a boy with self-image issues and a narrow mindset who expands his viewpoint and prepares for an uncertain future."

- Kirkus Reviews
"Falkoff's coming-of-age story leaves the reader feeling proud of Pack's personal evolution and ends in a place that truly feels like a new beginning."

- Booklist
"Many teens will identify with Pack's desire for things to stay as they are even as they change around him. The mystery is quiet but intriguing, leading to a satisfying conclusion that is not perfect but hopeful. The highlight here is Pack's personal growth and self-discovery. Give this to readers with a taste for intrigue and quiet, character-driven stories."

- Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
Praise for Playlist for the Dead: "Falkoff treats a difficult topic with delicacy and care."

- Publishers Weekly
"Realistic and well-written."

- School Library Journal
"A nice premise with some truly powerful moments."

- Kirkus Reviews
"An absorbing and sensitive read."

- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Praise for Pushing Perfect: "Twists and turns abound. Reminiscent of Lois Duncan with its methodical uncovering of clues and multiple red herrings, this mystery will keep readers turning the pages."

- School Library Journal
"Recommended for teens who enjoy mysteries in the form of timely, realistic fiction." - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
"One of those rare books you can't put down. Teens looking for a character-driven novel with a touch of mystery can't do better than this." - Booklist (starred review)