Review By: Anonymous
Author: Justin A Reynolds
Published: 2023, Scholastic Press
Genre: Fiction; science fiction; humor; dystopia
Audience: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Triggers: None
Summary: Twelve-year-old Eddie Gordon Holloway has concocted his most genius plan ever to avoid chores . . . especially the dreaded L-A-U-N-D-R-Y. If he can wear every item of clothing in his wardrobe, summer will be halfway over before he has to do laundry! On the day of the highly anticipated Beach Bash, Eddie ends up grounded until he can get his clothes clean. While left home alone to do his laundry, the power goes out mid-cycle. With his first load of laundry soaking wet and the rest still filthy, Eddie sets out to explore the seemingly empty neighborhood in just his swim trunks and flip-flops. As he meets up with other neighborhood kids to find out what happened, they realize that their families aren’t coming back anytime soon. And as night falls, the crew realizes they aren’t just the only people left in the neighborhood — they might be the only people left . . . anywhere.
Review: Eddie Holloway came up with a genius plan to avoid doing his chores, but it backfired. On his favorite day of the year, his mom realizes that he has not done laundry once all summer, but Eddie has a bathing suit and is ready to take on Beach Bash. His mother has other ideas. He can’t go until every article of clothing is clean… the rest of his family and friends head to Beach Bash. Soon, weird things happen, the power goes out, and Eddie goes out to figure out what is going on. Only a few neighborhood kids are left and nobody else is coming back. They might be the only people left on Earth. This book is fun and and easy read. I enjoyed listening to eat while I was painting. There were a few repetitive parts, but overall, I think Eddie was very easy to like, and most readers would enjoy the plot and characters. One characteristic I particularly enjoyed is that this book is great for a wide range of readers. Students as young as 3rd grade would truly understand and enjoy, while a 7th grader could relate and love the book as well. I do wish Eddie’s brother had a hero moment because he was not a very nice big brother, however, the book was left “to be continued,” so there will be more.
