How to Survive the End of the World: A Graphic Exploration of How to (Maybe) Avoid Extinction

Gr 9 Up–The young adult years can be full of angst for a variety of reasons including worries over the fate of the world. This graphic novel addresses a variety of causes that could lead to extinction for the human race and explores how high the threat level actually is for each. Areas of concern are discussed in a matter-of-fact tone, but also with a dash of hope. Different chapters look at plagues and pandemics, deadly blasts, climate meltdown, killer machines, falling skies, and cosmic collapse. Illustrations show scenes such as the Black Death, researchers creating COVID-19 vaccines, and settlers on Mars. “Ask an Expert” sections bring in infectious disease physicians, climate activists, AI researchers, and others from a variety of fields and backgrounds to give a more detailed look at things like threats from artificial intelligence or what cultural norms we should take with us when humanity moves out into space. Back matter includes suggestions for further reading, source notes, and a selected bibliography.