It's the End of the World as I Know It
MASL Book Trailer Winner
It's The End of the World As I Know It - Jason Z. from Cape Central Middle School
About the Author
Matthew Landis slays boredom wherever it lurks in his eighth-grade social studies classroom. He lives in Doylestown, PA, with his wife and four kids, some chickens, and a boxer that acts much like the forgotten eldest child.
"I teach 8th grade social studies full time at Tamanend Middle School where I try to slay boredom wherever it lurks (which is potentially a lot of places, as this is social studies we’re talking about). It’s the greatest job ever because middle school kids are hilarious and awkward, capable of great kindness and depth, as well as shocking ambivalence and cruelty. In other words, perfect book material. So I started writing stories for and about my students, which is the second greatest job ever.
Some other stuff about me: I love poetry but don’t understand it; I want Gordon Ramsay to give me a fatherly hug at some point; I tend toward the unapologetically dramatic; I'm a recovering gamer who can sometimes be found reading the novelization of HALO. I firmly believe that self-deprecating humor is the best kind, and I strive imperfectly to love Jesus and those he put in my life. And I love tacos."
About the Book
ABOUT IT’S THE END OF THE WORLD AS I KNOW IT
Derrick is sure that doomsday is coming, and he’s prepping to survive–whether his friends believe him or not–in this middle grade novel for readers of Gary Schmidt, Gordon Korman, and Jack Gantos
Ever since his mother was killed in the line of duty in Iraq, Derrick has been absolutely certain that the apocalypse is coming. And he’s prepared: he’s got plenty of canned goods, he’s fully outfitted with HAZMAT suits, and he’s building himself a sturdy fallout shelter. When his neighbor Misty insists on helping with the shelter, Derrick doesn’t think it’s such a good idea. Misty’s just had a kidney transplant, and her reaction to her brush with death is the opposite of Derrick’s: where Derrick wants to hide, Misty wants to see and do everything. But as confident as Misty is, Derrick’s doomsday fears just keep getting worse. And Derrick’s promised apocalypse day begins with a very strange disaster, Derrick and Misty have to figure out a way to survive–especially when the end of the world as they know it looks nothing like they expected.
Praise for It’s the End of the World As I Know It
A Junior Library Guild Selection
* “Humorous and exceptionally realistic . . . Simultaneously funny, quirky, and raw, this emotionally impactful look at loss is sure to find a wide audience. Recommended for all collections.” —School Library Journal, starred review
“A sympathetic and even sometimes funny look at anxiety disorders and the complexity of grief. . . . The terrifying allure of survivalism makes this journey through trauma a compelling one.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Landis, a middle school teacher, offers flawless eighth-grade voices and awkwardness. . . . He gets that kids have deep emotions even if they don’t want to admit to them. This book will be a hit with fans of Jordan Sonnenblick.” —Booklist
“[Derrick’s] relationship with Misty, who after a kidney transplant is as determined to court experiences as [Derrick] is to flee from them, adds a dimension that’s lively but also more deeply relevant than his narration admits; his kind but perplexed goofball guy friends (including one proud owner of a live-mice-eating snake) are endearing. . . . [Derrick’s] grief and anxiety will speak to many kids.” —BCCB
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