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54 pages 1 hour read

We Are the Ants

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016

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Book Brief

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Shaun David Hutchinson

We Are the Ants

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

480

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary

Publication Year

2016

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL800L

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.3

52,560 ratings

77%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read We Are the Ants?

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.

4.3

52,560 ratings

77%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Henry

A high school junior navigating personal and external challenges, including alien abductions and grief from a recent loss, who ultimately seeks meaning and connection in his life.

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.

Henry’s friend who reconnects with him after a period of estrangement, helping him confront societal pressures and work through mutual grief.

A figure in Henry’s life remembered through flashbacks and internal dialogue, significantly influencing Henry's emotional landscape.

Henry’s brother, dealing with impending fatherhood and responsibility amid personal growth and family dynamics.

Tasked with managing the household as a single mother, she strives to balance personal aspirations with the challenges faced by her family.

Henry’s grandmother, who provides insights into the family's history and serves as an anchor through her warmth and resilience.

Book Details
Pages

480

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary

Publication Year

2016

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL800L

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