Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne

       The book that I recently read is a great Science Fiction book called Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne. This book is definitely Science Fiction because it involves radioactive explosions and people having reactions to these chemicals like killing people or losing your mind. Dean is a normal sixteen year old kid that starts his school day like anyone else. He wakes up, takes a shower, and runs out of the house and just says bye. Doesn't say anything else to his parents. Little does he know his life is about to change forever. As he got on the bus, a huge storm started to roll in. He didn't think anything of it as he walked by his grouchy bus driver. As the storm got closer, he knew it was bad. Out of nowhere, little pieces of rain turned it rocks of hail. These pieces of hail varied from the size of a baseball to the size of a golf ball. The unexperienced bus driver did not know what to do and crashed right into the parking lot of Greenway Superstore, flipping the bus onto its side. This killed the bus driver and a few more kids. As the hail poured through the window, Dean looked over his shoulder to see Mrs. Wooly and her bus filled with young children. She crashed through the stores window and saved her kids. She didn't stop there. She then flew back out and saved Dean and his bus. Only six kids made it out of Dean's bus. All eight kids made it out of Mrs. Wooly's bus. She didn't stay long though. She left the kids at the store by themselves to go and help others. Fourteen kids in one superstore. Six high schoolers, two middle schoolers, and six young kids are left to eat and survive in their world that is falling apart. These kids must fight off intruders, make their own food, and sleep at night knowing it may be their last. They must escape to safety, find their parents, and say I love you. This is the first book in the series as it follows the fourteen kids fighting for their lives.

        I recommend this book to many people for a lot of reasons. First off, it is a very action packed book. There is always something happening like the bus flying through the superstore doors to Mrs. Wooly axing the back window to get the kids out. The story is always moving forward and never stops for boring parts. To add on, it is very suspenseful and leaves you on the edge of your seat. From a guy standing outside banging on the gates to explosions flying all around them. You never know what is going to happen next which is an amazing part of this story line. Finally, the book is very heartwarming. When Henry and Caroline, the youngest of the bunch, miss their parents Dean comforts them and becomes their honorary parents. With everything going on around them they try to come together as a family. This book is a great read for anyone and everyone looking for a fantastic read.

Spicer Periods 1/3: Ray Palovcak