The Last Book in the Universe - (Scholastic Signature) by Rodman Philbrick (Paperback)

About the Book

In a world where most people are plugged into brain-drain entertainment systems, epileptic teenager Spaz is a rare human who can see life for what it really is. When he meets an old man named Ryder, he begins to learn about Earth and its past. With Ryder as his companion, Spaz sets off to save his dying sister--and, in the process, perhaps the world. An ALA Best Book for Young Adults.

Book Synopsis

This fast-paced action novel is set in a future where the world has been almost destroyed. Newbery Honor Author Rodman Philbrick is at his very best.

Nobody around here reads anymore. Why bother, when you can just shoot all the images and excitement straight into your brain? I've heard of books, but they were long before I was born, in the backtimes before the Big Shake...In a world where people only use mindprobes for entertainment, a teenaged boy is one of the rare human beings who can see life for what is really is. Cruelly nicknamed "Spaz", he is subject to random seizures that make it impossible for him to use the brain-drain tech. But what sets him apart eventually becomes his salvation.After meeting an old man called Ryter, Spaz begins to learn about how the world used to be before the catastrophic earthquake that changed everything. There is a story of a promised land, rich in its bounties, that can cure any ailment and more beautiful than any place left in the desolate wasteland humanity calls home. The two set off to find Eden in the hopes of saving Spaz's dying sister, and together, seek to bring some good back to the world.Fahrenheit 451 meets The Giver in this action-packed thriller from the author of the bestselling novel Freak the Mighty.The Last Book in the Universe joins the Scholastic Gold line, which features award-winning and beloved novels. Includes exclusive bonus content!

Review Quotes

Praise for The Last Book in the Universe: "[T]here is much to admire in Philbrick's tale of a postapocalyptic future... Despite the dark turn of events, however, there's stubborn hope and strength of conviction in the book's moving conclusion." -- Booklist"Philbrick...has again created a compelling set of characters that engage the reader with their courage and kindness in a painful world that offers hope." -- Kirkus ReviewsPraise for Rodman Philbrick: * "Outstanding suspense." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review for Wildfire* "A rip-roaring adventure"--Publishers Weekly, starred review for Newbery Honor book The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg* "This excellent maritime bildungsroman has all the makings of a juvenile classic." -- School Library Journal, starred review for The Young Man and the Sea

About the Author

Newbery Honor author Rodman Philbrick has written more than a dozen novels for young readers. In 1993, he published his first children's book, Freak the Mighty, which became an instant classic, and was made into a feature film. The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg was a 2010 Newbery Honor Book. Philbrick's other acclaimed novels include Max the Mighty, The Young Man and the Sea, The Last Book in the Universe, Zane and the Hurricane, and Wildfire. Philbrick divides his time between Maine and the Florida Keys. You can learn more about him on his website: rodmanphilbrick.com.