103 pages • 3 hours read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
224
Novel • Fiction
Earth • Dystopian Future
2000
Adult
10-14 years
740L
The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick depicts a post-apocalyptic world where Spaz, an epileptic teenager, navigates a divided society, with genetically unaltered humans in the impoverished Urb and genetically improved people in the utopian Eden. Alongside an elderly writer named Ryter, Spaz undertakes a perilous journey to save his ill sister, Bean, ultimately challenging the oppressive systems that govern their lives.
Mysterious
Dark
Adventurous
Emotional
Hopeful
10,703 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Rodman Philbrick's The Last Book In The Universe is praised for its imaginative dystopian world and engaging narrative. Readers appreciate its fast-paced adventure and powerful themes of hope and resilience. However, some critique the character development as lacking depth. Overall, it is deemed an inspiring read for young adults.
A reader who enjoys The Last Book In The Universe by Rodman Philbrick is likely a fan of dystopian fiction and young adult adventure. They would appreciate themes similar to those in Lois Lowry’s The Giver and Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, including a futuristic society, survival challenges, and thought-provoking moral questions.
10,703 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Ryter
An elderly man known as a "gummy," who lives alone in the stackboxes and holds a treasured manuscript. His calm demeanor and knowledge make him a valuable companion to Spaz.
Little Face
A largely mute 5-year-old orphan who helps Spaz track down Ryter. He follows Spaz on his journey and proves useful due to his agility.
Lanaya
A teenage proov from Eden, who is genetically enhanced and destined for leadership. She shows kindness and uses her status to help others, often traveling to the Urb to distribute food.
Bean
Spaz's 12-year-old foster sister, suffering from leukemia, who shares a deep bond with him despite his exile. Her intelligence and curiosity are notable.
Billy Bizmo
The ruthless latchboss of Spaz's area known for his unpredictable behavior. He leads the Bully Bangers and has a complicated connection to Spaz.
Lotti Getts
A fierce leader of the latch where Bean lives, known for enforcing strict rules. She bans probes and maintains control through her henchmen, the Vandals.
Vida Bleek
The boss of the underground network in Lotti Getts' area. He operates secretly within the trading district and is unimpressed by the proovs' status.
Mongo the Magnificent
A former latchboss who is now incapacitated due to prolonged use of a probe. His territory has declined into chaos under the leadership of his former henchmen.
Jin
Lanaya's father known as her "contributor," who is smart and enjoys playing chess. He is initially skeptical of normals but becomes supportive of Bean's treatment.
Bree
Lanaya's mother known as her "contributor," who adopts Little Face during the group's stay in Eden. She is nurturing and creates a bond with Little Face.
Charly
Spaz and Bean's foster father, who prioritizes Bean's safety over Spaz's presence in their family. He is protective yet conflicted, sometimes resorting to harsh methods.
Kay
Spaz and Bean's foster mother, who is often cautious but advocates for the bond between Spaz and Bean. She influences decisions about Bean's treatment.
224
Novel • Fiction
Earth • Dystopian Future
2000
Adult
10-14 years
740L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.