For kids who want to read a dystopian novel but don't have either the desire or skills to kick back with a 400-page doorstopper, this compact novel e first entry in the My New Normal series an alternative. The old normal was Cecilia living the good life in Denver and dating her boyfriend, Ryan. Then a horrific earthquake destroyed most of the surrounding area (maybe more), leaving Cecilia and Ryan to make their way in a world where everything is crumbling, and death waits around every corner. Though the prose can be a bit overwrought, this is a credible debut for teen author Michelle. The focus is on the action, though the strong relationship between the teens is also a key element. It looks like the predictions of Nostradamus will also be playing a role. Cecilia narrates this first book, while Ryan narrates the second, The Inside (2012), also available. This fast and furious installment features an autobiographical note, in which Michelle shares what it feels like to be a teen author.

MICHELLE, Sara . The Inside . Bk. 2. ISBN 978-1-61651-771-7 ; ISBN 978-1-61247-351-2 . MICHELLE, Sara . The Others . Bk. 3. ISBN 978-1-61651-772-4 ; ISBN 978-1-61247-352-9 . ea vol: 76p. (My New Normal Series). Saddleback . 2012. pap. $7.95; ebook $7.95. Gr 7 Up In The Aftermath , Cecilia and her boyfriend, Ryan, struggle to find shelter, food, and water in the aftermath of apocalyptic disaster. After surviving the cataclysmic event that destroyed their town (and essentially the country), she describes how they make their way to the Denver Snow Shelter, an underground bunker outfitted with canned food, running water, and heat. Ryan narrates The Inside . Several other survivors have found their way to the shelter, including a shady character named Jason. Cecilia becomes ill and Ryan suspects that the bunker has been contaminated. After finding Jason lurking in her room, he regrets inviting him in. In The Others , Ryan kicks Jason out into the harsh landscape when he catches him prowling around with a butcher knife. Jason leaves but threatens to return. Shelter life drags on, food supplies dwindle, and boredom sets in. Tensions rise when Cecilia imagines that Ryan is going to break up with her while Ryan shoulders the burden of caring for so many people. While the voices are riddled with teen angst and melodramatic descriptions, readers will see themselves in the characters. Additional fare for hi/lo audiences, particularly fans of dystopian literature. H. H. Henderson, Heritage Middle School, Deltona, FL