What would you do if every spark of electricity suddenly vanished, as if somebody had flipped a switch on the entire planet? Cars won't start, the heat shuts off, there's no water in your faucet, and your radio, TV, and flashlight go dark. Everyone in Charlie's small town is baffled. But as time passes, lawlessness erupts and takes an ugly turn. When the market and pharmacy are torched by an anti-Semitic arsonist, Charlie realizes his mother will die without her medicine. So he dons skis and heads off alone, seeking the nearest hospital. After traveling 50 miles through brutal ice and snow, Charlie encounters a burned-out, looted city of terrified citizens. Will he be able to save his mom? Heroic, eloquent, and unforgettable, The Big Dark raises timely questions about responsibility, tolerance, and love.;Praise for Zane and the Hurricane : 2015-2016 Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List * "Vivid descriptions of the toxic waters, the commotion at the Superdome, and racial tension are handled factually yet sensitively." --School Library Journal, starred review * "An appropriately serious and occasionally gruesome tale of surviving Hurricane Katrina, buoyed by large doses of hope and humor."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review * "Zane's first-person account is tense and authentically youthful as the group paddles through the flooded streets of New Orleans seeking refuge." --Publishers Weekly, starred review Praise for The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg : A Newbery Honor Book * "The horror of war and injustice of slavery ring clearly above the din of playful exaggerations." --Publishers Weekly, starred review;Rodman Philbrick's The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg was chosen as a Newbery Honor Book. His most recent novel, Zane and the Hurricane, has received numerous starred reviews and was honored on the 2015-2016 Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List. His first book for young readers, Freak the Mighty, was an immediate bestseller and continues to be a classic, with close to three million copies in print. Philbrick divides his time between Maine and Florida. Visit him at www.rodmanphilbrick.com.
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“Narrator Michael Crouch captures the excitement that quickly turns to fear on the night that the sky flares with magnificent lights before the power goes out all over town…Crouch’s narration reflects the fast pace of the story, and he deepens this survival story with convincing character portrayals. Charlie’s worried sister’s voice trembles with fear, the town’s ruthless extremist growls with menace, and touches of New Hampshire and Franco–American accents add dimension. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”
— AudioFile
“An absorbing tale about the breakdown of contemporary civilization, the return to chaotic vigilante justice, and the strength of kindness and community.”
— Publishers Weekly“A fast pace, pulse-pounding premise, and approachable first-person narration.”
— Booklist“A riveting, credible, and even inspiring vision of life just after the apocalypse.”
— Kirkus Reviews“This middle grade novel tackles topics like survival, astrophysics, family, and making the world a better place. It is a compelling read.”
— Children’s Literature“Michael Crouch adeptly paces the fast-moving story and varies voices among the characters. Verdict: The all-too-real topic and relatable protagonist make for an engaging adventure tale.”
— School Library Journal (audio review)“Bragg and his adult sons…are frighteningly realistic in both dialogue and ideals…[Touches on] the themes of racism, hate, and the danger of fear.”
— School Library JournalBe the first to write a review about this audiobook!
Rodman Philbrick has written more than a dozen novels for young readers. In 1993, he published his first children’s book, Freak the Mighty, which became an instant classic and was made into a feature film. The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg was a 2010 Newbery Honor Book. Learn more about him on his website: rodmanphilbrick.com.
Michael Crouch is an actor based in New York City. His audiobook narration has won the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration, numerous Earphones Awards from AudioFile magazine, and Best of the Year accolades from Booklist, School Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly. He can also be heard on national commercials, cartoons, video games, and the animé series Pokémon XY and Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V.