A 2012 Kirkus Reviews Best of YA Book

"Suzanne Collins may have put dystopian literature on the YA map with 'The Hunger Games'... but Bacigalupi is one of the genre's masters, employing inventively terrifying details in equally imaginative story lines." (Los Angeles Times).

* "Beautifully written, filled with high-octane action, and featuring badly damaged but fascinating and endearing characters, this fine novel tops its predecessor and can only increase the author's already strong reputation." (Publishers Weekly, starred review).

* "The novel's greatest success lies in the creation of a world that is so real, the grit and decay of war and ruin will lay thick on the minds of readers long after the final page. The narrative, however, is equally well crafted.... Breathtaking." (Kirkus Reviews, starred review).

* "Bacigalupi's intense, action-filled novel is a heartbreaking and powerfully moving portrait of individual resiliency amidst extreme circumstances that rivals, if not surpasses, the excellence of its predecessor." (The Horn Book, starred review).

* "Bacigalupi brings to life a post-apocalyptic America that thrills the mind." (VOYA, starred review).

"A compelling read, this engaging book does not glorify war and violence, but shows its true nature." (School Library Journal).

"A new Paolo Bacigalupi novel is reason to celebrate--no matter how old you are." (The Associated Press).

Praise for Ship Breaker:

* "Bacigalupi skillfully integrates his world building into the compelling narrative, threading the backstory into the pulsing action.... Vivid, brutal, and thematically rich, this captivating title is sure to win teen fans for the award-winning Bacigalupi." (Booklist, starred review).

* "At its core, the novel is an exploration of Nailer's discovers of the nature of the world around him and his ability to transcend that world's expectations." (Publishers Weekly, starred review).

* "This thriller will grab and keep readers' attentions as Nailer and Nita 'crew up' in their fight to survive." (The Horn Book, starred review).

"This gritty, tautly paced novel will rivet readers eager to learn both the fate of the young ship breaker and the reason for the world's grim collapse. Memorable characters add pith and spirit." (The Washington Post).

"Exciting, poetic, and breathtaking." (Sherman Alexie, author of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian).

"Librarians should definitely add this book to science fiction collections. Teens will not be disappointed." (VOYA).

"In Bacigalupi's defiled, depressing landscape populated by mercenary humans and mechanical dog-men, Nailer's loyalty offers hope. Told in the third person, this stark, surreal story sends an alarm to heed the warning signs of climate change or suffer a similar fate." (Kirkus Reviews).

"This taut, suspenseful novel is a relentless adventure story featuring nuanced characters in thought-provoking conflicts. Bacigalupi artfully intertwines themes of loyalty, family, friendship, trust and love." (Erin Downey Howerton, Michael L. Printz Award committee chair).

"With an interesting mix of fact and fantasy, this title offers excellent potential for conversations on international child welfare issues." (School Library Journal).