Yellow Locust

Gr 10 Up—The tale of siblings Selena and Simon who are on a journey across the country in the land of America-that-Was. Selena and Simon traverse this desolate landscape with few resources, harboring a secret data stick, which contains secrets their parents died for. It is their responsibility to deliver the data stick to the Republic of California—the last place of freedom left in this world. When the two reach Fallowfield, an apparent oasis amid the desolation of the poisoned lands of Middle Wastes, they wonder if its offerings are too good to be true. It doesn't take long for Selena to realize that evil lurks within the city, especially in the form of the deceptively welcoming mayor. Selena is called upon to use her advanced fighting skills to protect and provide for them while they try to escape Fallowfield and deliver the data stick to the Republic of California before it's too late. An interesting blend of dystopian and climate fiction, teens who enjoy novels like Moira Young's Blood Red Road or Justin Cronin's The Passage will probably enjoy this one for its similar use of strong world-building and deep characterization.