If it is not zombies or vampires, it is soul-eating ghosts, and Mikey and his friends just want to graduate from high school before the next near-apocalypse. Even better, maybe Mikey will get together with his close friend and longtime crush, Henna. He will also need to negotiate the drama of his mother's latest political campaign and figure out what is up with his best friend, Jared. In this novel about the normal kids on the sidelines of the epic fantasy stories that often dominate young adult literature, the average kids take center stage. Each chapter begins with a short paragraph that summarizes the supernatural events that are happening in Mikey's hometown, but the content of the chapter focuses on Mikey and his close friends.This latest novel from the award-winning and ever-popular Ness will be in high demand. The story and pacing are reminiscent of John Green's boy-and-almost-attainable-girl books, so fantasy readers looking for nonstop action might be disappointed. However, Ness's deft treatment of the anxiety and excitement of senior year and the diverse cast characters, including a prominent gay character, ensure that this novel will have wide appeal. Clever and laugh-out-loud funny, the supernatural side notes add tension and humor to the story. This is highly recommended for libraries serving young adults.Samantha Godbey.

Starred Review Mikey and his pals are about to graduate high school, right as the indie kids hat group with the cool-geek haircuts and the thrift shop clothes" art disappearing. It's not the first time this has happened: over his 18 years, Mikey's watched as the indie kids (they're always the Chosen Ones) battled the undead, defeated vampire suitors, and engaged in other world-saving activities. It's run-of-the-mill stuff at his high school, which has been blown up more than once. But right now, Mikey, perfectly normal, not-superpowered Mikey, has more pressing, if prosaic, things to worry about in the little time he has left before college mely, getting cozy with beautiful Henna, connecting with his sister, dealing with his paralyzing anxiety, and hanging with his best friend, who happens to be a God of Cats. Best-selling Ness has crafted a polished, lifelike world where the mundane moments are just as captivating as the extraordinary. Mikey and his friends are flawed, funny, and deeply human, yet the challenges they face ntal illness, family trouble, jealousies, etc. e just as meaningful as the apocalypse-prevention the indie kids get up to. Ness' deadpan sci-fi novel pokes fun at far-fetched futuristic fantasies while emphasizing the important victories of merely living. This memorable, moving, and often hilarious read is sure to be a hit. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: You don't have to have superpowers to recognize Ness' cachet in the YA scene.

Gr 9 Up-In this highly satiric exploration of the "chosen one" genre, an incredibly normal group of friends are approaching the end of high school and their parting of ways. Mikey is just trying to get through the year and hopefully ask his longtime crush to the prom. Similarly, each person in Mikey's close-knit circle of friends is battling a myriad of highly relatable issues: jealousy, various insecurities, and dysfunctional family relationships. The beginning of each chapter also contains an update in the concurrent story line centering on the "indie kids." These are Mikey and his pals' extraordinary peers, those from exceptional families who are exclusively chosen whenever there is a supernatural occurrence. They've fought off zombies and fallen in love with vampires, and now they're being targeted by the Immortals, a mysterious group looking for a permanent Vessel. In the end, Mikey and his friends come to grips with the ways in which they are both ordinary and extraordinary. This is a highly ambitious novel with an original concept, and the five main characters are all dealing with issues that will resonate with teens. Though the two plotlines don't always come together and readers used to more linear narratives might feel bombarded by information, the stream-of-consciousness narrative will please fans of Libba Bray's Going Bovine (Delacorte, 2009). VERDICT Fans of madcap humor and satire and those seeking more thought-provoking alternatives to the usual fare will appreciate this unique and clever take on a familiar trope. Sunnie Lovelace, Wallingford Public Library, CT