Alone

Freeman, Megan E. Alone. New York : Aladdin, 2021.

Celebrate National Poetry Month by reading Alone by Megan E. Freeman, an exciting novel in verse. The story follows a teenage girl abandoned when the government evacuates her town due to a looming threat. Left utterly alone with only her loyal canine companion named George, she must navigate the wilderness and discover her own strength, despite knowing almost nothing about survival.

Who could resist a story about a kid braving the wild all by themselves? Packed with action and adventure, I recommend this to fans of classic novels with similar themes, like Hatchet and Island of the Blue Dolphins. It’s also a great read for kids in grades 6 and up, as it features a mature protagonist who grows over the course of the story.

Novels written in verse often appeal to young audiences because their lyrical storytelling and visual accessibility attract reluctant readers. It offers a fresh way to enjoy poetry, its beauty, and the novelty of storytelling.

Alone is a beautiful reflection on finding your place in the world, human resourcefulness, and the importance of believing in yourself. It’s also an exceptionally fun and fast-paced read that will have you flipping the pages and eager to find out what happens next. If you want more answers after finishing Alone, read the follow-up book in the series, Away, which offers a compelling new perspective on the government evacuation through the eyes of different group of kids. Both physical copies are available at Alamance County Public Libraries.

Trigger warnings/subjects: parental divorce, physical injury & illness, natural disasters, and animal deaths/abuse.

Sharada F.M. is a Library Assistant II at Graham Public Library Children’s Department.