Grasshopper Jungle

Smith, A. (2014). Grasshopper jungle. New York: Dutton

Summary:

Austin and his friend Rob go through a life changing adventure when they decide to break into a second hand store, owned by his girlfriend’s uncle. Inside they find weird jars with weird things in side them, one jar had a label of a plague. Some bullies of the town get infected, which turned them into gigantic, horny, bloodthirsty praying mantises.  While the world is in chaos, Austin is dealing with his sexuality. He’s attracted to his gay friend Rob, but desperately wants to sleep with his girlfriend Shann.  Working together with Rob and Shann, Austin comes up with a plan to save the world. They go underground while Rob and Austin slowly take care of the praying mantises. Their new goal is to repopulate the world, Austin and Shann have a child together. They try to get the world back to normal.

Strengths/Textbook:

This book demonstrates science fiction, horror, and sexuality issues. We see science fiction when the bullies turn into the praying mantises.  Horror when the mantises begin to eat the townspeople. Sexuality issues when Austin has feelings for his gay friend and strong sexual urges towards his girlfriend Shann. Their principal who is totally against masturbation and premarital sex, gets caught going to a local gay bar. The plot helps connect Austin’s current situation.

Awards:

Boston Globe-Horn Book Award 2014 Fiction Award Winner

SLJ Best Books 2014, Young Adult

PW’s Best Books of 2014, Young Adult

Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Books of 2014

Bulletin Blue Ribbon 2014, Fiction

2015 Michael L. Printz Award, Honor Book

YALSA’s 2015 Best Fiction for Young Adults

VOYA’s Perfect Tens 2014

2015 Rainbow List, YA Fiction

2015 Carnegie Medal Longlist

2014 L. A. Times Book Prize Finalist, Young Adult Literature

Booklist Top 10 LGBTQ for Youth

Los Angeles Public Library Best Books of 2014, Teen

The New York Public Library, Best Books for Teens 2014

Capitol Choices 2015

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