The Dead & the Gone
by Susan Beth Pfeffer

    THE DEAD & THE GONE by Susan Beth Pfeffer
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  6/1/08
    Publisher:  Harcourt
    Reviewed by:  Breanna F.
    Rating:  5 Stars


    Alex Morales is a 17-year-old Puerto Rican boy living with his family in New York. He has two younger sisters,
    Briana and Julie, and his parents, who he calls Mami and Papi. Everything is going pretty normally for Alex. He's
    the vice president of his school council and he's looking forward to getting into a great college.

    But in one moment everything changes. Something huge hit the moon and knocked it out of place. It's now closer
    to Earth, causing a lot of horrible changes, including tidal waves, flooding, blackouts, and overall panic. According
    to many people, the Earth is coming to an end.

    Alex's father was in Puerto Rico when it happened and they haven't heard from him since, and his mother was
    called in to the hospital where she works.  Alex is afraid that since she hasn't contacted them that she died when
    there was a flood in the subway.

    All of a sudden, Alex realizes that he is the sole caregiver to his two sisters. He has no idea when his parents will be
    back (if ever) and he's terrified.

    People all around New York are dropping like flies. Bodies line the streets. People are going crazy trying to get
    their hands on food. Nothing that seemed important before is important now. All that matters is staying alive. And
    Alex is determined to care for his sisters and keep them alive no matter what.

    But is that really possible with what has happened to the Earth?

    Wow, this book was intense!  It's scary in all ways possible. Reading about the bodies lining the streets of New
    York brought shivers to my spine. It's hard to explain in words how crazy this book is. If you like really intense
    books then this is definitely a story for you.

    Also, be sure to read Ms. Pfeffer's previous release, LIFE AS WE KNEW IT, which deals with the same issue
    that's discussed in this book but with different characters. I haven't read it yet, but I'm sure it's just as good and
    frightening as THE DEAD & THE GONE.