We Are the Ants PDF is a young adult science fiction novel by Shaun David Hutchinson, published by Simon Pulse, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc., in January 2016. The novel received critical acclaim and was named a 2017 Best Fiction for Young Adults selection by the American Library Association.
The story follows Henry Denton, a teenager who has been repeatedly abducted by aliens since he was thirteen years old. The aliens inform him that the world will end in 144 days, but they offer him a choice: he can either save the world, or let it be destroyed. Throughout the novel, Henry grapples with the decision of whether or not to save humanity, all while dealing with personal struggles such as grief, bullying, and his complicated relationship with his family and friends.
We Are the Ants explores several themes, including mental health, suicide, sexuality, grief, and the meaning of life. The novel has been praised for its honest and sensitive portrayal of these themes, and for its strong character development. The book also touches on the idea of humanity as a collective, and how the actions of individuals can impact the greater world. The novel is available in various formats, including hardcover, paperback, and ebook.
Table of Contents
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About the Author
Shaun David Hutchinson is an American author of young adult fiction. He was born on January 12, 1983, in Florida, USA. He has published several books, including “The Deathday Letter,” “At the Edge of the Universe,” and “The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley.”
Hutchinson has been open about his struggles with depression and anxiety, and these themes often appear in his writing. He is also a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and representation in literature, and many of his books feature queer characters.
In addition to his writing, Hutchinson is also a high school teacher and has worked with at-risk youth. He has been recognized for his contributions to the field of young adult literature, and in 2018, he was awarded the Florida Authors and Publishers Association President’s Award.
Hutchinson continues to write and publish books that tackle difficult and important topics, such as mental health, sexuality, and identity. His writing has been praised for its honesty, sensitivity, and relatability to young adult readers.
Summary
The story follows a teenager named Henry Denton, who has been repeatedly abducted by aliens since he was thirteen years old. The aliens inform him that the world will end in 144 days, but they offer him a choice: he can either save the world, or let it be destroyed.
Henry is dealing with a lot of personal struggles, including the recent suicide of his boyfriend and the bullying he faces at school. He also has a complicated relationship with his family and friends, particularly his mother and his best friend Audrey.
Throughout the novel, Henry grapples with the decision of whether or not to save humanity. He struggles with the idea of being responsible for the fate of the world and wonders if he even has the power to stop it. Meanwhile, he tries to navigate his complicated relationships with his loved ones and work through his own grief and depression.
As the days count down, Henry experiences a number of intense and emotional moments, including confronting his abuser, reconnecting with his estranged father, and coming out as gay to his classmates. He also begins to understand the importance of human connection and the impact that individuals can have on the world.
Characters
The main characters in “We Are the Ants” by Shaun David Hutchinson include:
- Henry Denton: The protagonist of the story, a high school student grappling with grief, depression, and the weight of his personal struggles. Henry is given the chance to potentially save the world from destruction but must decide whether it’s worth the effort.
- Diego Vega: Henry’s former boyfriend and a source of support and understanding for him. Diego is kind, compassionate, and becomes a significant presence in Henry’s life as he navigates his personal challenges.
- Marcus Denton: Henry’s older brother, who has been distant and struggling since their parents’ divorce. Marcus is dealing with his own issues, but his relationship with Henry evolves throughout the book.
- Audrey Martin: Henry’s childhood friend, who experiences her own hardships and struggles. Audrey reconnects with Henry and becomes a pivotal character in his life, offering support and friendship.
These characters play significant roles in Henry’s journey of self-discovery, addressing themes of trauma, grief, identity, and the complexities of teenage life.
Multiple Languages Editions of We Are the Ants Book
“We Are the Ants” has been translated into several languages, including Spanish, German, Dutch, French, Italian, and Portuguese. The availability of language editions may vary depending on the region and the publisher.
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Age Rating & Critical Reception
“We Are the Ants” by Shaun David Hutchinson is generally recommended for readers aged 14 and above. The book explores mature themes such as mental health, grief, and complex interpersonal relationships, which may be more suitable for older teen readers.
In terms of critical reception, “We Are the Ants” has received positive reviews overall. The book has received praise for its thought-provoking exploration of heavy topics, authentic portrayal of teenage struggles, and well-developed characters. Readers appreciate the depth and emotional resonance of the story, as well as the author’s ability to address difficult themes with sensitivity and honesty.
Critics have noted the book’s strong and diverse representation, including LGBTQ+ characters and issues. The exploration of mental health and its impact on teenagers is also frequently commended. However, due to the heavy themes and mature content, some readers may find it emotionally challenging or triggering.
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