GONE

GONE, by Michael Grant (HarperTeen 2008). To Sam and his best friend Quinn, the coastal California town of San Perdido is beyond boring, except when they are able to get on their boards and do some surfing.

And then, everything changes: instantly, everyone over 15 years old is gone. Disappeared. A barrier wall has appeared around the town, the animals are mysteriously "mutating," and some of the kids are developing strange powers.

Part HEROES, part LORD OF THE FLIES, GONE is a fun, fast, accessible read that nevertheless provides substance for the thoughtful reader.

GONE is the first book in a new series; book 2, HUNGER, is forthcoming in May 2009.