Monument 14: Sky on Fire

Gr 9 Up—The sequel (2013) to Monument 14 (2012, both Feiwel & Friends) continues the story of high school, middle school, and elementary grade students trapped in a supermarket while the rest of the world succumbs to contamination. The pollution affects every person differently depending on blood type. Symptoms of exposure range from nothing to blood crazed lunacy to the inability to reproduce. This volume begins where the previous book ends, so familiarity with Monument 14 is a must. Brothers Dean and Alex are separating. Alex takes one group on a mission to Denver to save their injured friend while Dean stays in the store with the kids whose blood type makes it impossible to go outside. Both brothers experience hardships. Alex's group must find their way to Denver without getting killed by rouge army men and Dean deals with drama with his now pregnant crush. Todd Haberkorn narrates, and occasionally it is unclear which of the brothers is speaking. Some sexual situations and violence make this title most appropriate for older teens. Purchase where the first volume has a following.—Amanda Schiavulli, Finger Lakes Library System, NY