My house could have crumbled around me once I picked up The Sky So Heavy. Nothing was going to get in the way of finding out what happened, and knowing what happened was important because the scenario was so believable.
It’s a simple enough tale.
Teenage boy heads to school, meets girl who is a friend (but is she more?) and they start a regular school day, but by 4 pm, the world as they know it is changing.
Nuclear testing in the ocean north of Australia goes terribly wrong. Entire cities are wiped out and the world is plunged into a nuclear winter.
What would a nuclear winter be like? Claire Zorn leaves us in no doubt. Even the tiniest details feel absolutely right. And freaky.
So begins a story of survival, courage, fear and trust - where it might never have been possible before. Everything that we take for granted is gone and I mean everything. Even security forces aren’t what they used to be.
But don’t take my word for it. Pick up The Sky So Heavy and find out for yourself. You won’t regret it. My only frustration is not knowing whether there will be a sequel, because I want it NOW!
Read our interview with author Claire Zorn.
Title: The Sky So Heavy
Author: Claire Zorn
Publisher: University of Queensland Press, $19.95 RRP
Publication Date: 24 July 2013
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780702249761
For ages: 13 +
Type: YA