• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 12 to 18

A massive earthquake forces Amy and her estranged half-sister to work together to survive.

Amy is happy it’s the last day of school…until a huge earthquake hits. She’s surprised that it’s Mara, her half-sister, who finally comes for her, since they hardly know each other. There’s no word from any of their parents, and their homes have been destroyed. So Amy and Mara set out on a perilous journey from their suburb into the city to search for their parents. As they walk day and night, the scope of the horrific destruction becomes clear. Have their parents survived the disaster?

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Gabrielle Prendergast is a UK-born Canadian/Australian who lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with her husband and daughter. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. Gabrielle is the author of the verse novels Capricious and Audacious, which was shortlisted for a CLA Award, and The Frail Days in the Orca Limelights and the middle-grade novel Pandas on the Eastside. For More information, visit www.angelhorn.com.

Gabrielle Prendergast's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

“Gives the reader an idea of what it is like to be in an earthquake. The strained family relationships between two half siblings are handled well. This story, read with a parent or in a classroom settling, will prompt safe discussion about being prepared for natural disasters.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“The relationship between Amy and Mara is well drawn, and the girls grow closer by relying on each other to survive amid exciting action sequences... this book would be a good choice to hand to readers who haven’t developed the skills yet for novels like Hatchet. A useful title for older emerging readers.”

School Library Journal

“The sisters’ complex family situation offers an intriguing premise...The nonstop action will draw in the intended audience of reluctant readers.”

Kirkus Reviews

“The strong adventure writing makes Aftershock a good addition to this genre and for schools and libraries. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials