Instructions for the End of the World

Gr 9 Up—Nicole and Isabel's father relocates their family to a remote area of the Sierra Foothills, where he plans to set up camp to survive the end of the world. Nicole has bought into his plans a bit and knows how to hunt and has some basic survival skills. Isabel, the younger sister, likes her cell phone, pedicures, magazines, and typical teen activities. Moving to this house without modern conveniences is too much for their mom, who leaves the family in the middle of the night. Their father goes to find her, leaving his daughters to fend for themselves at home. While the end of the world is not actually near, Nicole and Izzy are faced with problems, as their food runs out, the water isn't working in the house, and forest fires rage nearby. Nicole befriends Wolf, a boy from the neighboring spiritual retreat village, for whom she soon develops feelings. Isabel also develops a relationship with Kiva, another boy from the same village. The point of view shifts among Nicole, Isabel, Wolf, and another minor character are awkward at times. The narrative lacks character development, and some plot threads are not fully fleshed out. A nonconsensual sexual situation makes this title appropriate for mature readers.