Review by Becky, age 17

The minister, Reverend Beelson, has just announced that the world is going to end on July 27, Marina's fourteenth birthday. Her mother has become a Believer and has stopped home-schooling Marina and her five younger brothers. Marina's dad works double shifts at the plant and is rarely home. Marina knows her family has problems ...But either God did not hear me or he did not choose to answer.

At the top of the mountain, Marina and Jed meet... Together they have no more answers than they did apart. But it's easier not to be alone.

Jed also has his troubles. His older sister is away at college, leaving Jed and his dad alone to deal with the pain of losing Jed's mother, who has run off with a younger man. Things are crazy for a while. Then Jed's dad joins a congregation led by Reverend Beelson. With the other Believers, they are to go to Mt. Weeupcut to await the end of the world. I guess there are all kinds of ways for a person's world to end.

At the top of the mountain, Marina and Jed meet. Marina's father has stayed behind and Marina is taking care of her brothers because her mother is too preoccupied. Jed can't puzzle out his father's faith or his own beliefs. Together they have no more answers than they did apart. But it's easier not to be alone. They fall in love. And wonder if this time the world will end in fire as Reverend Beelson claims. Who should they believe?

Writers Jane Yolen (Wizard's Hall, The Devil's Arithmetic) and Bruce Coville My Teacher is an Alien, Jennifer Murdley'd Toad) have written a fascinating, frightening and compelling novel in their first collaboration.

Armageddon Summer is a powerful exploration of family, friendship, and faith. And with millennialist groups on the rise, the story is even more significant. This is a novel that will not leave the reader unchanged. I was powerfully moved by this book. The intense first-person writing brought me into Marina and Jed's lives and their stories will stay with me forever.

Published by Harcourt Brace
266 p.