OUTSIDE

A spirited 12-year-old contends with her cloistered life after an apocalypse.

Over 10 years ago, the Great Poisoning killed most humans. Razzi lives in an old mansion named the Refuge with her parents, 7-year-old brother, Bing, and a handful of other adults and children. The kids are rarely allowed Outside, especially not since 12-year-old Ollie, a curious risk-taker, had a terrible accident and died while trying to explore. Razzi injures her knee during a game of Chase, which leads to a checkup and a serious diagnosis—she learns that she must have a heart transplant. Luckily, Refuge resident Saul is a Surgeon, and he successfully implants a greyhound’s heart into Razzi. After the surgery, Razzi feels different: Her senses of hearing and smell are keener, and foods she used to love, like chocolate, now sicken her. When Razzi makes the momentous decision to run away, she learns that the world outside the Refuge is bigger than she could ever have imagined. Holm’s adventure is riveting and appealing, featuring a relatable cast of characters and unfolding against a post-apocalyptic backdrop with zombie story vibes. Holm’s mastery of pacing and her explorations of intergenerational trauma and forgiveness resonate, ensuring that they’ll stay with readers long after the final pages. Razzi presents white, and names cue ethnic diversity in the supporting cast.

An ambitious and thrilling examination of survival, trauma, and connection.