Last Saturday I decided to begin reading the books that I had received when I attended the OLA Super Conference. I decided to begin with the YA (Young Adult) fiction that I had requested.

A World Below is a story written by an author I have previously read – Wesley King – and describes a field trip taken by an eighth grade class to the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. While on the field trip, an earthquake occurs and the students are plunged into an underground lake. Separated from their teacher, the students have no option but to try and make their way above ground even though they disagree about the best way to do this. Pretty and popular Silvia does everything she can to hide her panic attacks while leading the group. Eric finds himself separated from his class and totally on his own under the ground – until he meets an unexpected stranger.

This tale is told from three points of view and is a fast-paced adventure story that will encourage reluctant readers to turn the pages to find out what happens to the unsupervised group. I found that as I reached the end of each chapter, I could not put the book down due to the cliffhangers. The writing is simple and easy for twelve year olds to read – and yet the content will cause them to flip the pages as fast as they can. I can already imagine my daughter, already a Wesley King fan, lounging on the sofa engrossed in this tale.

I recommend this read for any middle school child who enjoys reading adventure stories. The adventure will enthrall, the dynamics between the children will be believable, and the outcome will be greeted with satisfaction.

Do you enjoy reading YA fiction?

© Colline Kook-Chun, 2018

(This novel was the seventh in my 50 book pledge for 2018)