LB Teen

Everybody Sees the Ants

By A.S. King (Electronic Book, 2011)

Lucky Linderman didn't ask for his life. He didn't ask his grandfather not to come home from the Vietnam War. He didn't ask for a father who never got over it. He didn't ask for a mother who keeps pretending their dysfunctional family is fine. And he didn't ask to be the target of Nader McMillan's relentless bullying, which has finally gone too far.

But Lucky has a secret--one that helps him wade through the mundane torture of his life. In his dreams, Lucky escapes to the war-ridden jungles of Laos--the prison his grandfather couldn't escape--where Lucky can be a real man, an adventurer, and a hero. It's dangerous and wild, and it's a place where his life just might be worth living. But how long can Lucky keep hiding in his dreams before reality forces its way inside?

Michael L. Printz Honor recipient A.S. King's smart, funny and boldly original writing shines in this powerful novel about learning to cope with the shrapnel life throws at you--and taking a stand against it.

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- Format: Electronic Book
- Price: $7.99 US/$7.99 CAN
- ISBN-13: 9780316191814
- On Sale Date: 10/03/2011
- Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
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Formats Available: Hardcover Book, Trade Paperback, Electronic Book
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A.S. King is the author of the highly acclaimed Everybody Sees the Ants and the Edgar Award nominated, Michael L. Printz Honor Book Please Ignore Vera Dietz, described as "deeply suspenseful and profoundly human" by Publishers Weekly and picked as one of Kirkus Reviews' Best Books for Teens 2010. She is also the author of The Dust of 100 Dogs, described as "undeniably original" by Booklist and picked as one of ALA's Best Books for Young Adults. After returning from Ireland, where she spent over a decade living off the land, teaching adult literacy, and writing novels, King now lives deep in the Pennsylvania woods with her husband and children. Learn more at www.as-king.com.

A YALSA 2012 Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults title
A Capitol Choices 2012 Noteworthy Book for Teens
A Keystone to Reading Children's Choice Award winner
Praise for Please Ignore Vera Dietz:
- A Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book
- A 2011 Edgar Award Nominee
- A Kirkus 2010 Best Books for Teens Contemporary Novel
- A Junior Library Guild Selection for Fall 2010
- An Indie Next Pick for Teens
- A YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection
* "Blending magic and realism, this is a subtly written, profoundly honest novel about a kid falling through the cracks and pulling himself back up."
(Booklist, starred review).
"A harrowing but ultimately redemptive tale of adolescent angst gone awry . . . The author depicts the journey to overcome a legacy of poverty, violence, addiction and ignorance as an arduous one, but Vera's path glimmers with grace and hope." (Kirkus Reviews, starred review).
* "King remarkably channels fifteen-year-old Lucky, creating one of the most believable teen male characters in young adult fiction.... This unique coming-of-age story will hold tremendous appeal for reluctant male readers." (VOYA, starred review).
"[C]hilling and darkly comedic... The book is deeply suspenseful and profoundly human as Vera... struggles to find the courage to combat destructive forces, save herself, and bring justice to light." (Publishers Weekly, starred review).
* "A smart, funny, and passionate novel that embodies that idea that 'It Gets Better'--when you take action." (Publishers Weekly, starred review).
"[A] witty, thought-provoking novel. . . . Watching characters turn into the people they've long fought to avoid becoming is painful, but seeing them rise above it, reflect, and move on makes this title a worthy addition to any YA collection." (Booklist, starred review).
* "King's heartfelt tale easily blends realism and fantasy.... A haunting but at times funny tale about what it means to want to take one's life, but rising above it so that living becomes the better option." (School Library Journal, starred review).
"It is hard to describe how deeply affecting this story is . . . The writing is phenomenal, the characters unforgettable . . . There is so much in here for young people to think about, presented authentically and without filters . . . It is a gut-wrenching tale about family, friendship, destiny, the meaning of words, and self-discovery. It will glow in the reader for a long time after the reading." (VOYA).
* "The unusual and occasionally comic juxtaposition of the POW experience with Lucky's victimization... [offers] compelling food for thought about the things we can control and the things we can't, and how that distinction ultimately determines the need for action." (The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review).
Praise for The Dust of 100 Dogs:
- 2010 YALSA BBYA Pick
- Indie Next List Pick For Teens
- A 2010 Cybils Award Finalist
* "King's themes of torture, physical and emotional imprisonment, and bullying connect in satisfying ways in this improbably witty and heartwarming story." (The Horn Book, starred review).
"Undeniably original." (Booklist).
"A resonant, uplifting story about not just getting through, but powering through, the tough times." (Kirkus Reviews).
"A remarkable and compelling story for readers seeking something out of the ordinary." (VOYA).
"Charming...poignant." (Publishers Weekly).
"Compelling, the nonlinear plot will offer more advanced adolescent readers a challenge they do not often get while reading young adult literature." (ForeWord Magazine).
"Spectacular. I am not kidding when I say this novel blew my mind. King's writing is so powerful, it's sure to be a favorite." (Book Divas).