"De la Peña has created a rare thing: a plot-driven YA with characters worthy of a John Green novel. "- Entertainment Weekly , A- "Action is first and foremost. De la Peña can uncork delicate but vivid scenes. " -- The New York Times "[ The Living ] is special because of its extraordinary protagonist , Shy, who I haven't been able to shake from my mind in the weeks since I read the book."-John Green, author of The Fault in Our Stars [ STAR ] An addictive page-turner and character-driven literary novel with broad appeal for fans of both.- Kirkus Reviews, Starred [ STAR ] An excellent, enthralling ride .a great read for those looking for adventure and survival stories.- VOYA , Starred [ STAR ] In Matt de la Peña's compulsively readable thriller .
the breakneck plot will draw readers in, but Shy's personal discoveries about how the world is skewed toward those in power, and his decisions to do the right thing, will hold their attention.- Shelf Awareness , Starred A disaster epic, a survival story, and a coming-of-age novel filled with the life of a young man who's becoming aware of class, prejudice, and romance. - NPR Weekend Edition De la Peña delivers near-constant action, a high body count, and a compelling cast of characters in this socially aware thriller.- Publishers Weekly Adventure survival enthusiasts will relish the vivid and raw descriptions of the sinking ship, blistering sun, and shark-infested waters. But most appealing is the empathetic teen, portrayed as a tough guy with a romantic side, who will appeal to both males and females, and is likely to appear in the upcoming sequel.- School Library Journal A straight-up tour de force , a breathless, horrifying dash into the void.the fun of de la Peña's latest is how unexpectedly he blends genres, making this, in a sense, four books in one: a finely observed social-class drama, an on-the-sea survival adventure, a global-disaster book, and a contagion thriller.- Booklist A Pura Belpré Author Honor Award Winner An ALA-YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Book An ALA-ALSC Notable Children's Book A Junior Library Guild Selection.