Pandemic

After a traumatic incident with a teacher, Lilianna changed from being a high-achieving student to being moody and withdrawn. But then life in her town really takes a turn for the worst. A mysterious illness begins spreading, and Lil, whose parents are out of town, becomes more isolated than ever as people begin dying all around her. Before long, Lil finds herself stuck taking care of a neighbor’s baby while doing her best to organize other survivors to help the sick, all while dealing with a romantic conflict and the sudden reappearance of her former teacher.

In a world full of teen dystopian thrillers, Yvonne Ventresca’s Pandemic stands out. Set in our modern world, this novel has all the elements young adults love but with the believable promise of a return to normal life. Lil is a character many readers will be able to identify with, struggling with her own private issues while dealing with an unexpected catastrophe in the form of a natural disaster of sorts. This book is well-written and very approachable, and its fast-paced nature makes it a quick and absorbing read.