The Big Dark

Gr 5-7--It's New Year's Eve, and the residents of Harmony, NH, brave bitter cold to watch a spectacular display of the northern lights. Suddenly, blinding light flashes across the sky, and anything electric, from flashlight batteries to cell phones to home generators, dies. At first, residents band together. But as days pass, intimidation and eventually the use of deadly force by Webster Bragg, an antigovernment white supremacist, causes fear and uncertainty. When Bragg torches the local pharmacy, middle schooler Charlie Cobb must brave life-threatening elements--both natural and human--to track down diabetes medication for his mother before she runs out. What could be a compelling tale about modern-day disaster, however, quickly devolves into something flat and forced. One-dimensional characters lack substance and sufficient development. Stilted language is distracting and archaic--Charlie's mother, a teacher, refers to math as "arithmetic," and Charlie describes a poor family as "living off the state." Perhaps most concerning are Bragg and his adult sons, who are frighteningly realistic in both dialogue and ideals. Though they are terrifying in their likeness to real-life racists and extremists, Philbrick misses the opportunity to provide more nuance to these and the other characters, leaving middle grade readers a superficial understanding of why the Braggs' hateful ideas are so harmful and why, in times of crisis, even "good" people allow hate to rule the day. VERDICT Though the themes of racism, hate, and the danger of fear are desperately needed in conversations with the intended age group, this novel only scratches the surface.--Kelsey Johnson-Kaiser, La Crosse Public Library, WI

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

A massive power outage, triggered by a solar flare, throws a small New Hampshire town--and presumably the world at large--into turmoil, with all things electronic instantly rendered useless. After the town pharmacy burns down amid growing discontent, Charlie Cobb must devise a plan to get his diabetic mother the medicine she needs. Charlie's adventure is rife with obstacles, including starving coyotes, frigid wintry elements, the traumatic aftermath of a downed plane, and gun-toting survivors. Philbrick (Zane and the Hurricane) weaves an absorbing tale about the breakdown of contemporary civilization, the return to chaotic vigilante justice, and the strength of kindness and community. Charlie narrates from an unspecified point in the future, looking back at events as they unfolded: "Too bad that wasn't how it ended," he says after the town votes to appoint an emergency leader. "The good guys win, big cheer from the crowd, and everybody lives happily ever after." The conclusion unnecessarily veers into preachy territory, repeating the same message Charlie's journey already conveyed with clarity and finesse. But this misstep doesn't overshadow the story's poignancy and gripping intensity. Ages 8-12. (Jan.)

Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for The Big Dark

"The depiction of a world gone suddenly dark is both terrifying and completely possible. Philbrick's overarching message is clear. While ruthless villains might be living next door, so might a school janitor-turned-selfless leader and a boy-turned-hero.... a riveting, credible, and even inspiring vision of life just after the apocalypse." — Kirkus Reviews

"Philbrick is in his element with this kid-oriented view of global catastrophe. Charlie's world is brimming with danger, yet he single-mindedly accepts his mission to save his mother, since, for him, the threat of wild animals is overshadowed by the menace of frightened human beings. With a fast pace, pulse-pounding premise, and approachable first-person narration, this would be a great pick for reluctant readers." — Booklist

"Philbrick (Zane and the Hurricane) weaves an absorbing tale about the breakdown of contemporary civilization, the return to chaotic vigilante justice, and the strength of kindness and community." — Publishers Weekly


Praise for Zane and the Hurricane

2015-2016 Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List

* "Vivid descriptions of the toxic waters, the commotion at the Superdome, and racial tension are handled factually yet sensitively." — School Library Journal, starred review

* "An appropriately serious and occasionally gruesome tale of surviving Hurricane Katrina, buoyed by large doses of hope and humor."— Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Zane's first-person account is tense and authentically youthful as the group paddles through the flooded streets of New Orleans seeking refuge." — Publishers Weekly, starred review


Praise for The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg

A Newbery Honor Book

* "The horror of war and injustice of slavery ring clearly above the din of playful exaggerations." — Publishers Weekly, starred review