It's the End of the World as I Know It - by Matthew Landis (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Derrick is building a doomsday shelter to prepare for the apocalypse when he makes friends with Misty, the girl next door"--

Book Synopsis

Derrick is sure that doomsday is coming, and he's prepping to survive--whether his friends believe him or not--in this middle grade novel for readers of Gary Schmidt, Gordon Korman, and Jack Gantos

Ever since his mother was killed in the line of duty in Iraq, Derrick has been absolutely certain that the apocalypse is coming. And he's prepared: he's got plenty of canned goods, he's fully outfitted with HAZMAT suits, and he's building himself a sturdy fallout shelter. When his neighbor Misty insists on helping with the shelter, Derrick doesn't think it's such a good idea. Misty's just had a kidney transplant, and her reaction to her brush with death is the opposite of Derrick's: where Derrick wants to hide, Misty wants to see and do everything. But as confident as Misty is, Derrick's doomsday fears just keep getting worse. And Derrick's promised apocalypse day begins with a very strange disaster, Derrick and Misty have to figure out a way to survive--especially when the end of the world as they know it looks nothing like they expected.

Review Quotes

Praise for It's the End of the World As I Know It

A Junior Library Guild Selection

* "Humorous and exceptionally realistic . . . Simultaneously funny, quirky, and raw, this emotionally impactful look at loss is sure to find a wide audience. Recommended for all collections." --School Library Journal, starred review

"A sympathetic and even sometimes funny look at anxiety disorders and the complexity of grief. . . . The terrifying allure of survivalism makes this journey through trauma a compelling one." --Kirkus Reviews

"Landis, a middle school teacher, offers flawless eighth-grade voices and awkwardness. . . . He gets that kids have deep emotions even if they don't want to admit to them. This book will be a hit with fans of Jordan Sonnenblick." --Booklist

"[Derrick's] relationship with Misty, who after a kidney transplant is as determined to court experiences as [Derrick] is to flee from them, adds a dimension that's lively but also more deeply relevant than his narration admits; his kind but perplexed goofball guy friends (including one proud owner of a live-mice-eating snake) are endearing. . . . [Derrick's] grief and anxiety will speak to many kids." --BCCB

About the Author

Matthew Landis slays boredom wherever it lurks in his eighth-grade social studies classroom. He lives in Doylestown, PA, with his wife and four kids, some chickens, and a boxer that acts much like the forgotten eldest child.