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480
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary
2016
YA
14-18 years
HL800L
We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson follows Henry, a teenager dealing with family issues, grief over his boyfriend’s suicide, bullying, and the recurring trauma of alien abductions. The aliens offer Henry a choice to save Earth by pressing a button, but his depression makes him doubt if it’s worth saving. Sensitive topics include suicide, self-harm, depression, bullying, and sexual violence.
Contemplative
Emotional
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Mysterious
52,560 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson has been praised for its imaginative plot and deep, emotional exploration of themes like depression and the meaning of life. Reviewers appreciated its blend of science fiction with poignant personal struggles. However, some found its pacing uneven and the protagonist’s recurring cynicism off-putting. Overall, it's lauded for its original and thought-provoking narrative.
Fans of Young Adult fiction with a blend of science fiction and deep emotional exploration will relish We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson. Readers who enjoyed Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven or More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera will find this novel’s themes of love, loss, and the meaning of life captivating.
52,560 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Diego
A new friend of Henry’s who has relocated from Colorado, carrying a complex past, and plays an instrumental role in supporting Henry's emotional journey.
Audrey
Henry’s friend who reconnects with him after a period of estrangement, helping him confront societal pressures and work through mutual grief.
Jesse
A figure in Henry’s life remembered through flashbacks and internal dialogue, significantly influencing Henry's emotional landscape.
Charlie
Henry’s brother, dealing with impending fatherhood and responsibility amid personal growth and family dynamics.
Henry's Mom
Tasked with managing the household as a single mother, she strives to balance personal aspirations with the challenges faced by her family.
Nana
Henry’s grandmother, who provides insights into the family's history and serves as an anchor through her warmth and resilience.
480
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary
2016
YA
14-18 years
HL800L
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